- Technology has revolutionised every aspect of human life, including food and logistics
- The food delivery scene in Nigeria has seen the emergence of a new crop of startups rivalling pioneers like Chowdeck, Glovo, and Food Court
- The new entrants, including 10 spotlighted by TheRadar, are making waves by focusing on niche areas and offering unique selling propositions
The technology revolution witnessed in the last few years has redefined how almost everything is done.
With technology, every aspect of human life has been modernised and enhanced to ensure efficiency and ease.
The Nigerian food business is not left out as technology has reshaped how businesses reach, attract, and retain their customers.
One of the ways of achieving this is through the incorporation of food delivery services to customers who may not be able to dine in due to distance, time, or other reasons.
The food delivery space in Nigeria has witnessed the emergence and dominance of pioneers like Chowdeck, Glovo, and Food Court, who have made their mark, ensuring distance isn’t a barrier to Nigerians enjoying their favourite meals from their favourite restaurants.
However, a new crop of food delivery startups has emerged on the horizon, rivalling Chowdeck, Glovo, and Food Court with their niche focus and unique selling propositions.
This new crop of food delivery startups includes campus-focused ones, regional, and those focused on delivering local cuisines.
TheRadar spotlights 10 of such start-ups from Yabatech Food, Ogwugo, and Food Central.
10 food delivery startups competing with Chowdeck, Glovo, Food Court
1. Yabatech Food
This food delivery startup focuses on delivering food to students in and around Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech) and the University of Lagos.
The platform focuses on hyperlocal delivery, and students can order meals from nearby restaurants for as little as N1,000 on the platform.
One of the distinguishing features of Yabatech Food is that it operates without a mobile app as it relies on a web-based ordering system, unlike other food delivery startups.
2. Chao
Like Yabatech Food, Chao’s target populations are students. The platform provides food, groceries, and medicine delivery across campuses.
Chao is currently operating at the University of Port Harcourt and Pan-Atlantic University, and plans to expand to 12 more locations.
On Chao’s web app are local vendors and major chains like Kilimanjaro and Chicken Republic.
The startup was founded in 2021 by Gift Akobundu, who is the Chief Executive Officer, and Melvin Senne-Aya, Chief Operating Officer.
Chao was launched at Babcock University in 2022 and distinguishes itself with its proximity to students, which ensures faster delivery and loyalty from target customers
The startup prides itself in having processed N70 million in gross merchandise value across 25,000 orders. It said its revenue for 2024 was N17.5 million and it disbursed N10 million to riders.
3. BelaChow
Another campus-focused food delivery startup is BelaChow, which was formerly known as Belarush.
The platform provides services to students of Lead City University in Ibadan and Redeemer’s University in Ede.
On BelaChow’s menu are student favourite meals from major chains like KFC, Burger King, and Item7Go, and street food like mai shayi and akara. Meal deliveries cost as low as N1,000, with delivery fees from N250.
Apart from food, BelaChow also offers laundry services to students, charging N7,000 for ironing for its basic plans and N10,000 for full-service washing, folding, and ironing.
4. OliliFood
This food delivery startup was founded in 2019 by Nweze Ikechukwu Emeka (CEO), Abanum Monday Chukwuyenum (CTO), Ukwadiachi Emmanuel Osemeke (Head, Business Development), Chiedu Chidubem Victor (Head Of IT), Adinnu Chukwudalu Benedict (Lead Developer) and Blaq Joe (Product Designer)
It operates on a regional level, particularly in Asaba and Warri.
OliliFood features an extensive selection of local restaurants and food, and charges N1,950 for a typical delivery from Asaba Mall to Asaba Terminal.
By 2021, two years after it was founded, OliliFood had processed over 14,000 orders and attracted 3,400 users.
Its expansion was driven by a $125,000 raised in seed funding in 2020.
5. Ogwugo
Like Olili, Ogwugo is also a regional food delivery startup based in Enugu, with a long list of clientele in Eastern Nigeria, particularly in Nsukka.
Ogwugo offers a mixture of mainstream chains like Chicken Republic, and local favourites specialising in Eastern delicacies like ntachi osa, nkwobi, and oha soup
The platform charges between N1,400 and N5,000 for food, with free delivery in some areas, though service fees vary.
Ogwugo was founded in 2017 by Ugochukwu Aronu, a software developer, and has raised $51,000 in funding, with backing from the Ford Foundation.
6. Foodel
Foodel’s distinguishing feature is its on-demand food delivery in both Lagos and Abeokuta, and being accessible via web and mobile app.
The platform currently features a wider variety of local restaurants in Lagos, while Abeokuta’s selection is still expanding.
Foodel was founded in November 2021 by Eunice Anthony, an alumna of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
7. Dado Food
Dado also operates regionally, especially in Enugu and Abuja, offering delivery from restaurants, local markets, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
The platform’s offering is adjusted based on the city. Customers in Enugu get access to Chicken Republic, while Abuja customers see a heavier focus on local eateries.
A typical delivery for orders from a restaurant in 6th Avenue, Gwarinpa, to Abuja Continental costs N6,510 as delivery fee.
Dado Food was founded in 2017 by Ugome Chukwuebuka, Isaac David Mayowa, and Chukwu Chinasa.
8. OjaNow
OjaNow is based in Lagos and is an on-demand delivery startup offering groceries, alcohol, electronics, and gifts.
To ensure fast delivery, the company stocks over 300 products in strategically located storage facilities across Lagos.
Founded by Demi Hastruup, Jamal Kasumu, and Alvin Ukpeh, OjaNow offers 24/7 services, with prices starting at N250.
The startup raised $150,000 in pre-seed funding at a $6 million valuation in 2024.
9. UrbanEats
UrbanEats is another Lagos-based food delivery startup founded in 2023 by Halima Kasumu.
The startup aims to bring high-end restaurant meals to customers’ doors, featuring premium restaurants like Ikoko, Chow City, Cindy’s, and Adun Kitchen.
UrbanEats operates in Lekki, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island.
Its distinct feature is its meal point system, where customers earn N10 for every N4,000 spent. Its Mealbot point strategy has helped in customer retention.
10. ChowCentral
ChowCentral was formerly known as 500Chow. The cloud kitchen gained popularity during the COVID-19 lockdown and primarily serves customers around Lekki, Oniru, Victoria Island, Surulere, Ajah, and Yaba, Lagos.
Meals on the platform start from N2,000 and is available on platforms like Chowdeck, Glovo, and Pocket by Piggyvest.
The Y Combinator-backed startup was founded by Tosin Onafuye, Christopher Obasi, and Adeyemo Onafuye, and generates over $80,000 in monthly revenue.
7 African AI startups founded by Nigerians
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution brought about innovations and startups leveraging technology to address pressing human needs.
The African continent is not left behind in this wave of revolution. The continent boasts a handful of startups changing the world, most of which are founded by Nigerians or located in Nigeria, including these seven.
