Nigerian food delivery platform, Chowdeck, has achieved a significant milestone, crossing one million orders in October. This marks a substantial growth phase for the startup, reflecting how digital food delivery is rapidly becoming an integral part of everyday life for Nigerians.
The company announced this achievement in a post shared on X by its CEO/Co-founder, Femi Aluko. He stated that despite some operational challenges in recent weeks, the team is actively working to improve support and efficiency while scaling its services across cities.
According to Aluko, Chowdeck’s daily order volume has increased from approximately 30,000 to over 40,000 in recent weeks and continues to climb. This indicates that thousands of Nigerians are increasingly relying on the app for food, groceries, and other essentials, demonstrating its growing role in urban Nigerian life.
Chowdeck’s growth in a competitive market, which faces pressures from costs, infrastructure, and logistics demands, demonstrates how consistency and customer trust enable local companies to scale effectively.
How the Growth Happened
Launched in 2021, Chowdeck began as a modest food delivery platform connecting Nigerian customers, restaurants, and riders. Today, it has evolved into a robust logistics network that facilitates faster delivery and enhances the customer experience, ultimately driving the platform towards its one million monthly orders.
The company also capitalized on the rising use of smartphones and the growing culture of convenience among working-class Nigerians. With more individuals working long hours and seeking quick meal options, the demand for food delivery has increased significantly.
Chowdeck’s rapid expansion is attributed to its focus on achieving faster delivery times, providing strong support for restaurant partners, and offering a simplified user application. Serving major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, Chowdeck provides users with a wide variety of ordering options through its extensive network of riders and restaurant partners.
Recently, however, the company has encountered some customer complaints regarding delivery delays and response times for support. In his statement, Aluko acknowledged these concerns and assured customers that the team is learning from the feedback and taking proactive steps to address the issues.
He explained that while managing large order volumes can strain systems, Chowdeck is actively working to upgrade its processes and technology to effectively meet the growing demand.
Why This Milestone is Important for Chowdeck
Chowdeck’s record of one million orders represents more than just a numerical achievement; it signals a notable shift in Nigeria’s digital economy. It demonstrates that local startups can successfully build and scale services that cater to the daily needs of Nigerians, even in a market where many global food delivery players have faced difficulties.
For restaurants, Chowdeck’s growth enhances their visibility and provides a consistent flow of orders. Delivery applications, therefore, empower small and medium-sized food businesses to broaden their reach, leading to increased revenue and greater financial stability.
For riders, this growth translates into improved earning opportunities as the number of order requests increases. As demand expands, more delivery jobs are created, contributing to the reduction of unemployment in the informal sector.
For consumers, it signifies growing trust in technology and local brands. Many Nigerians are now more comfortable ordering online, tracking their meals in real-time, and making digital payments. This trust is fundamental for the wider adoption of on-demand digital services across the country.
In a similar vein, Chowdeck’s capacity to scale while simultaneously addressing customer challenges could shape the future operational landscape for delivery startups in Nigeria. Its progress may encourage further innovation and investment in logistics, last-mile delivery, and digital commerce.
The Bigger Picture and What’s Next
Nigeria’s food delivery sector, which was previously dominated by international players like Jumia Food, experienced a significant change when these companies ceased operations in 2023 due to challenges related to cost and profitability. This shift allowed local startups, such as Chowdeck, to leverage their understanding of the market.
The company’s growth indicates that substantial potential remains, driven by Nigeria’s increasing urban population and improved internet access, which are expected to fuel greater adoption of delivery services for food, groceries, and other essentials.
Sustaining Chowdeck’s growth will depend on effective logistics management, consistent quality control, and maintaining affordability as its user base continues to expand. The company’s commitment to addressing its current challenges will be crucial for its long-term success.
As the startup continues its growth trajectory, its story underscores a broader message: Nigerian-built tech solutions can thrive when they are focused on solving local problems with consistency and a deep understanding of customer needs.
Chowdeck’s immediate future focus will likely involve strengthening its operational capabilities to manage even higher demand. The company’s management has pledged to continue improving delivery times, expanding its service coverage, and ensuring better communication with its users.
The one-million-order milestone is, therefore, not merely a cause for celebration but a powerful reminder of the platform’s progress and the considerable untapped potential within Nigeria’s delivery economy.
In the words of Aluko, “It’s still Day 1.” This statement encapsulates the company’s belief that this achievement marks only the beginning of a larger journey, one that could redefine convenience for millions of Nigerians who now rely on digital platforms to fulfill their everyday needs.