Chowdeck, a prominent Nigerian food delivery startup, has announced plans to expand into Ghana, marking its first international venture. The company aims to launch operations in Ghana as early as March 2025.
Established in October 2021, Chowdeck has experienced rapid growth within Nigeria, boasting over one million users and processing ₦30 billion in transactions by 2024. Initially focusing on food delivery, the company has diversified its services to include pharmaceuticals, retail shopping, and grocery deliveries. Operating in major Nigerian cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja, Chowdeck has built a reputation for swift deliveries, supported by a network of over 10,000 delivery riders.
Ghana presents a promising yet competitive market for Chowdeck’s expansion. Urban centers like Accra, Tema, and Kumasi already host established players, including Uber Eats and Bolt Food. Despite challenges such as high taxes, low wages, and inflation, the country’s growing tech-savvy youth population and a projected food delivery market valued at $540.1 million by 2029, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 16.66%, make it an attractive opportunity.
It’s noteworthy that other delivery services have faced difficulties in Ghana. For instance, Glovo exited the market in 2024 after significant initial investments, and Jumia Food ceased its Ghana operations in early 2023 as part of a broader restructuring.
Chowdeck’s CEO, Femi Aluko, has expressed ambitions to establish the company as a dominant “super app” across Africa, aiming to provide a platform for ordering a wide range of products and services continent-wide.
As Chowdeck prepares to enter the Ghanaian market, it will need to navigate existing competition and local market dynamics to replicate its Nigerian success.