Nigeria’s Food Delivery Apps Are Taking The Battle To A Tricky New Frontier

A notable shift is underway in Nigeria’s on-demand delivery services scene, intensifying the brewing battle to meet everyday consumer needs.

This week, Chowdeck, a thriving upstart in the food delivery space, unveiled a bold move that’s reverberating across the industry—a strategic partnership with retail giant Shoprite to delve into the realm of quick commerce (q-commerce), promising a gamechanger for sub-hour grocery deliveries. The Y Combinator alumnus also boasts prior similar partnerships with other key grocery outlets across major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Asaba, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. 

The latest alliance by Chowdeck mirrors the manoeuvre of its rivals, particularly Glovo, which had earlier inked its own collaboration with Shoprite in September. This apparent strike-for-strike between industry players underscores an unfolding tussle for supremacy, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of delivery services in Nigeria.

The traditional battleground of food delivery is witnessing an expansion, with the lines blurring between meal orders and grocery shopping. This strategic shift signifies a proactive response to a burgeoning demand for comprehensive delivery solutions that cater to a diverse array of consumer needs.

Chowdeck's venture into q-commerce echoes a larger trend observed globally—the convergence of adjacent delivery services into more comprehensive platforms. This evolution is indicative of a shift from mere transportation to becoming multifaceted providers that cater to the comprehensive needs of the modern consumer.

Nigeria's USD 800+ M food delivery market has long been dominated by formidable players like Bolt Food, Glovo, and African e-commerce powerhouse Jumia which also launched a grocery delivery offering, Jumia Food Mart, in Lagos last year. Chowdeck's entry into this competitive landscape in 2021 marked a challenge to the status quo.