Majid Al Futtaim, the exclusive operator of Carrefour in Kenya, has unveiled its first Retail Business School in Nairobi, a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing the Kenyan retail sector. Officially launched on Wednesday, the school is designed to provide cutting-edge professional development for Carrefour Kenya colleagues and key players across its supply chain.
The launch event was graced by Gunther Helm, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim Retail, and Christophe Orcet, Regional Director East Africa, alongside government officials, business partners, and senior leadership of Majid Al Futtaim.
The Retail Business School is set to train over 1,500 Carrefour employees annually, reflecting the company’s dedication to enhancing local talent and ensuring the future of Kenya’s retail sector is robust and innovative. It integrates theoretical and practical modules, equipping trainees with comprehensive knowledge in retail operations, customer service, leadership, and technical skills.
A Step Towards Economic Transformation
The Nairobi-based school aligns with Kenya’s national development goals by promoting social and economic transformation. Its 12 tailored training programs will focus on technical proficiency, customer service excellence, and leadership development, fostering a new generation of retail leaders.
Gunther Helm emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating,
“The launch of the Retail Business School in Kenya reflects Majid Al Futtaim’s unwavering commitment to investing in our people and empowering local talent. By providing world-class training and development opportunities, we are not only raising the bar for the retail industry but also contributing meaningfully to Kenya’s economic growth and prosperity for future generations.”
The institution offers a unique 360-degree learning environment, combining theoretical insights with practical exposure to both online and in-store operations. By fostering a dynamic and creative educational atmosphere, the school aims to address the evolving needs of the retail industry while empowering Carrefour employees to excel in their roles.
Empowering Talent, Enhancing Service
With a focus on localization, the school’s curriculum is tailored to the Kenyan context, ensuring relevance and practicality. It also targets broader objectives such as strengthening customer service, developing technical skills, and nurturing leadership within the sector.
Majid Al Futtaim views its workforce as the cornerstone of exceptional customer experiences. Helm elaborated,
“Our colleagues are at the heart of every exceptional experience we deliver to our customers. This investment underscores the critical role they play in driving our success and demonstrates our dedication to nurturing their skills and potential.”
This initiative is expected to ripple benefits beyond Carrefour, contributing to the professional development of individuals across Kenya’s retail landscape.
A Commitment to Kenya’s Growth
The Retail Business School is more than a training center it is a testament to Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to Kenya’s economic and social growth. Through continuous investment in local talent, the company seeks to create sustainable impacts on the country’s development goals.
By 2025, the institution aims to have trained over 4,500 Carrefour colleagues, setting a new benchmark for retail excellence in Kenya. Its efforts resonate with Kenya’s vision for a thriving workforce capable of driving innovation and delivering unparalleled service standards.
This milestone underscores Majid Al Futtaim’s leadership in shaping the future of retail in Kenya. As the company strengthens its footprint in the region, the Retail Business School stands as a beacon of its dedication to empowering people and transforming communities through knowledge and skill development.
The school’s launch marks a significant step forward, ensuring Kenya’s retail sector remains competitive and dynamic in the face of global advancements. It symbolizes not only a corporate investment in talent but also a broader contribution to the nation’s journey toward economic prosperity.
