A popular food delivery startup in Nigeria, Chowdeck, is planning to expand its services to other African countries in 2024. The company’s first stop will be Ghana, with anticipated launch in March. With a reported one million users and ₦30 billion in transactions in 2024, Chowdeck aims to broaden its reach to 52 cities across Nigeria and internationally by the end of the year.
Expressing ambitions for continental growth, a source familiar with the business mentioned that Chowdeck envisions serving the entire African market. CEO Femi Aluko has hinted at these aspirations, aiming for Chowdeck to become the dominant “super app” for ordering various items across Africa.
Since its modest beginnings with only 319 users in October 2021, Chowdeck has rapidly expanded its services within Nigeria. Apart from food delivery, the company now offers a diverse range of products including pharmaceuticals, shopping mall goods, and fresh produce, known for its swift delivery service. Operating in major Nigerian cities like Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, Chowdeck has over 10,000 delivery riders. The company recently extended its services to Owerri, Enugu, and Kaduna, although Lagos remains its primary market.
While the specific city for launch in Ghana remains undisclosed, Chowdeck will encounter competition from established players like Uber Eats and Bolt Food in urban areas such as Accra, Tema, and Kumasi.
The Ghanaian market offers promise with a growing tech-savvy urban youth population and a projected food delivery market reaching $540.1 million by 2029, displaying a 16.66% annual growth rate. Despite the potential, Ghana has seen some food delivery services exit the market, such as Glovo and Jumia Food.
Reports highlight that Ghana’s food delivery industry faces challenges like high taxes, low wages, and inflation. However, the country remains appealing to existing food delivery giants, setting the stage for intense competition when Chowdeck enters the market.