Copia

Kenyan e-commerce startup Copia Global laid off 1,060 employees on June 6, 2024, following its entry into administration. The company, which operates in the e-commerce industry and once boasted a network of 50,000 agents, is undergoing severe financial restructuring. This move comes after the company struggled to meet payroll and scaled back operations, including exiting Uganda and laying off 700 employees in 2022. The layoffs were announced in a staff meeting, with employees asked to return company property and sign termination letters. While Copia has committed to providing a one-month salary and benefits per Kenyan law, the payment timeline remains unclear, causing significant concern among affected staff.

Copia, a Kenyan e-commerce platform focused on low-income households, has laid off 350 employees, representing 25% of its 1,800-strong workforce. This third round of layoffs in 2023, announced in July, is part of a restructuring effort to reduce labor costs and improve profitability amid economic challenges. The company, which previously closed its Ugandan operations and conducted earlier layoffs, stated the move aims to optimize operations and drive sustained profitability while complying with Kenyan labor laws. Affected employees will receive severance packages, with the workforce reducing to 1,450.