Chowdeck Eyes Ghana as First Step in African Expansion

Chowdeck, one of Nigeria’s top food delivery platforms, is setting its sights on Ghana for its first international expansion. The company, which announced its ambitions at the 2024 edition of Moonshot, is expected to launch in the West African nation as early as March, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Since its launch in 2021, Chowdeck has grown rapidly, reaching one million users and processing ₦30 billion in transactions in 2024. With over 10,000 riders, the company currently operates in major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt, and recently expanded to Owerri, Enugu, and Kaduna. Now, it aims to extend its reach to 52 cities across Nigeria and beyond by the end of the year.

Chowdeck wants all of Africa, said a source close to the company, hinting at the startup’s broader ambitions. CEO Femi Aluko has also expressed his vision to transform Chowdeck into a “super app” for ordering anything, anywhere in Africa.

A Promising but Challenging Market

While Chowdeck has not disclosed which Ghanaian city it will launch in first, major urban centres like Accra, Tema, and Kumasi already have established players such as Uber Eats and Bolt Food. Ghana’s food delivery market is expected to hit $540.1 million by 2029, growing at a rate of 16.66% annually.

However, the sector has proven difficult for some players. Glovo, which saw early success in Ghana with monthly order values reaching half a million euros, pulled out of the country in 2024 despite investing $3.7 million. Jumia Food also exited in 2023 as part of a larger business restructuring.

High taxes, inflation, and low wages have posed challenges to food delivery businesses in Ghana. Despite this, Chowdeck appears confident in its ability to replicate the success it has seen in Lagos. With a reputation for swift deliveries and an expanding catalogue beyond food, the company is entering a competitive but potentially rewarding market.