Majid Al Futtaim, Carrefour’s operator in Kenya, has launched its first Retail Business School in Nairobi, aimed at upskilling over 1,500 employees annually and shaping future retail leaders.  

Located at Two Rivers Mall, the institution will offer 12 specialized programs, focusing on customer experience, leadership, technical operations, and digital transformation. Combining theoretical and practical learning, the initiative targets Carrefour’s workforce and supply chain, addressing the evolving demands of Kenya’s retail industry.

Gunther Helm, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Retail, highlighted the commitment to local talent development: “This reflects our dedication to empowering talent and contributing to Kenya’s economic growth.”

The curriculum integrates advanced technologies, including digital libraries and paperless classrooms, to prepare employees for the dynamic retail landscape.

Following successes in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, the Kenyan school aligns with the firm’s goals of driving social and economic transformation through sustainability and skill development.

With a steadfast commitment to promoting gender diversity, Majid Al Futtaim Retail aims to empower and recruit 75 nationals for its regional Carrefour operations, targeting 50 per cent of the positions for talented female candidates.

This initiative not only strengthens Majid Al Futtaim Retail’s position as an investor in local talent development, but also actively contributes to and supports local communities and economies and establishes lasting relationships with educational institutions.

Majid Al Futtaim Retail's partnerships with universities in Kenya include the University of Nairobi and Strathmore University.

Through these strategic collaborations, Majid Al Futtaim Retail establishes a collaborative and dynamic platform that attracts top talent, facilitating the development of a qualified workforce.

Selected candidates will undergo an intensive 24-month on-the-job training, which includes rotations across in-store operations, e-commerce, and merchandise functions, among others.

This holistic approach ensures a comprehensive learning experience and equips participants with a deep understanding of the diverse aspects of a modern retail industry.

Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be provided with the opportunity to secure full-time supervisory-level positions within Carrefour.

Christophe Orcet, Regional Director of Carrefour - East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said, "The Retail Graduate Programme represents our dedication to supporting the young generation in kickstarting their careers in the retail industry."

"By offering comprehensive on-the-job training and exposure to different facets of the business, we aim to fast-track the career progression of these graduates and build a strong leadership pipeline for the future of retail."

The involvement of the universities helps to organise job fairs and on-campus career events and sessions to raise awareness about the grocery retail business and its various functions, while also providing students with invaluable insights into the industry.

"At Majid Al Futtaim Retail, we believe in investing in young Kenyan talent and providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. Our Retail Graduate Programme is designed to foster the professional growth and development of these individuals, while also fulfilling our vision to generate positive social impact on our communities."

"This programme serves as a testament to our dedication to Kenya’s vision to engage the young talent and create growth opportunities for them, building on our efforts towards nurturing tomorrow’s retail leaders," Christophe Orcet added.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications before31 August 2023 by visiting:https://careers.majidalfuttaim.com/go/Graduate-and-Internship-Programmes/3197801/.

The courses are available for nationals, and are scheduled to begin on October 1, 2023.