GEBEYA LAUNCHES "JITUME PLATFORM TO EMPOWER AFRICA’S SERVICE PROVIDERS

The Chief Executive Officer delivers his remarks during the Gebeya Jitume event at Movenpick Hotel, Nairobi.

By: Gladys K

Innovation took center stage at the Mövenpick Hotel in Nairobi as Gebeya, a leading Pan-African technology and talent platform, unveiled its new product, Jitume a digital marketplace designed to transform how freelancers, entrepreneurs, and service providers connect with clients.

The event brought together professionals from various sectors including technology, design, consulting, beauty, and creative arts all with one goal in mind: to explore how Jitume can help them turn their skills into sustainable business opportunities.

Speaking during the launch, Gebeya Chief Executive Officer said the platform was built to address one of the biggest challenges facing African freelancers visibility and trust.

“We have millions of talented people across Africa, but most of them remain unseen and underpaid because they don’t have the right digital tools. Jitume is here to change that,” he said.

Jitume enables service providers to create professional profiles, manage bookings, receive secure payments, and reach a wider client base without relying solely on social media messages or referrals.

According to Gebeya’s Head of Product, the platform also ensures transparency and accountability between clients and providers.

“Every service provider will have a verified profile, ratings, and clear pricing. Clients can now book services with confidence, and providers can focus on delivering quality work instead of chasing payments,” she explained.

The launch featured live demonstrations, showcasing how users can register their services from barbers and fitness trainers to consultants and digital marketers and start receiving bookings instantly. 

Freelancer testimonies gave the event a personal touch, as many shared stories of how difficult it has been to find consistent work in the gig economy.

“Before this, I used to rely on WhatsApp groups and word of mouth. Sometimes I’d go weeks without a client,” said Sarah M., a Nairobi-based graphic designer. “Now, with Jitume, clients can find me directly, and payments are processed securely. It’s a game changer.”

Another attendee, James K., a fitness coach from Westlands, said the platform gives freelancers the respect and exposure they deserve.

“For once, someone has built something that actually understands our struggles. This is not just another app it’s a livelihood tool,” he remarked.

Gebeya representatives emphasized that Jitume is more than just a marketplace; it’s a growing ecosystem for Africa’s service economy. They revealed plans to integrate mobile money and expand into other African countries over the coming months.

“We are building an ecosystem that allows Africans to serve locally and earn globally,” said one of the company executives. “Our dream is to see Jitume become the digital home for every African service provider.”

As the event concluded, attendees were encouraged to create their Jitume pages immediately and invite others to join the platform. The atmosphere was vibrant a mix of optimism, ambition, and pride in Africa’s growing digital economy.

For many who attended, the message was clear: it’s time to stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them.

“Jitume simply means ‘get it done’  and that’s exactly what this platform is about,” said one of the hosts as the audience applauded.