5 Rising Food Delivery Startups Challenge Chowdeck and Glovo

Nigeria’s food delivery market is flourishing, but a new generation of entrepreneurs is starting to emerge in addition to established firms like Glovo, Chowdeck, and Food Court. These businesses cater to hyperlocal demands, such as regional specialties that aren’t available on popular platforms or campus-specific appetites.

Even if the major cities are dominated by the big players, some challengers succeed by venturing where others won’t. Some specialize in providing reasonably priced late-night meals to college students, while others concentrate on bringing their favourite regional cuisine to clients outside of their home areas. They’re proving that in Nigeria’s massive food market, success isn’t about reaching everyone—it’s about reaching the right people.

Some startups are focused on campus food delivery, while others are regional and hyperlocal startups. They include:

Chao

Chao delivers groceries, food, and medications to students on campuses. With plans to open 12 more sites, Chao’s online app already operates at the University of Port Harcourt and Pan-Atlantic University. It features both major chains like Kilimanjaro and Chicken Republic as well as local vendors. Since its 2022 premiere at Babcock University, Chao, which was founded in 2021 by CEO Gift Akobundu and COO Melvin Senne-Aya, has expanded quickly. It has handled 25,000 orders totaling ₦70 million in gross merchandise value while still operating entirely on its own. In 2024, it claimed to have made ₦17.5 million ($11,669) and paid out ₦10 million to riders. What is the startup’s edge? Being close to students allows for quicker delivery and more brand loyalty.

Yabatech Food 

Students at Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos are served by Yabatech Food Delivery. With the help of the hyperlocal delivery platform, students can order meals from local eateries for as little as ₦1,000. Instead of using a mobile app, like its rivals, it uses an online ordering platform.

Ogwugo 

Set up in 2017 by software developer Ugochukwu Aronu, Ogwugo has raised $51,000 in funding with support from the Ford Foundation. The platform, which combines popular chains like Chicken Republic with local favourites that specialize in Eastern delicacies like ntachi osa, nkwobi, and oha soup, has a large following in Eastern Nigeria, especially in Nsukka. Prices for food range from ₦1,400 to ₦5,000, with delivery for free in some areas, though service fees vary.  

Foodelo

Foodelo, which provides on-demand food delivery in Lagos and Abeokuta, Nigeria, was founded in November 2021 by Eunice Anthony, a graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. While Abeokuta’s selection is still growing, the platform, which is available via web and mobile app, presently offers a greater choice of local restaurants in Lagos.

UrbanEats

Halima Kasumu came back to Nigeria with a vision after nine years in the UK: deliver upscale restaurant fare right to consumers’ doors. Located in Lekki, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island, UrbanEats was founded in 2023 and offers upscale eateries such Cindy’s, Adun Kitchen, Chow City, and Ikoko. Through a meal points system, UrbanEats promotes client retention; for every 4,000 spent, you will receive ₦10. For example, if your order totals N4000, you will receive ₦300 from Mealbot.