Nigeria’s Chowdeck aims to expand food delivery reach with $2.5 million Investment

Nigerians hold food in high regard, allocating nearly 60 percent of their household income to it, ranking the country highest globally in this aspect, according to official data. This strong attachment to food, combined with the surge in online shopping, sets the stage for Nigeria’s food delivery sector to potentially soar to US$2 billion to US$3 billion by 2032.

Despite the promising market outlook, a clear frontrunner has yet to emerge. Enter Lagos-based Chowdeck, buoyed by Y Combinator‘s support and backed by a US$2.5 million seed investment. The company aims to carve out its niche in a domain that has seen heavyweight contenders like Jumia and Bolt falter.

Founded by Femi Aluko, Olumide Ojo, and Lanre Yusuf, Chowdeck provides consumers with the convenience of ordering food, primarily prepared meals but also groceries from local grocers and supermarkets, delivered to their doorsteps within an average of 30 minutes. CEO Aluko revealed that the idea for the startup stemmed from his encounters with prompt deliveries and exceptional customer service during a business trip to Dubai.

“Typically, ordering food in Nigeria could take one or two hours,” he explained. “But throughout my three-month stay in Dubai, my food orders consistently arrived on time. If there were any delays, the restaurant would promptly call to apologize. It left a lasting impression on me, and I pondered whether we could replicate such service standards in Nigeria.”