Three months after launching in Accra, Nigerian delivery startup Chowdeck has hit a major milestone: over 1,000 orders in a single day. This achievement comes significantly faster than in its home market of Nigeria, where it took 11 months to reach the same daily volume. The accomplishment marks a successful early chapter in Chowdeck’s broader plan to become a pan-African on-demand delivery leader.
A Founder’s Vision Beyond Borders
Chowdeck CEO Femi Aluko, reflecting on the milestone, shared via LinkedIn that the result signals more than just strong early traction. He sees it as evidence that Chowdeck’s growth strategy and product-market fit extend well beyond Nigeria. “It is proof that the vision propelling Chowdeck transcends borders,” Aluko wrote, celebrating the Accra team’s success.
From Lagos to Accra: A Strategic Expansion
Founded in October 2021, Chowdeck quickly grew into a major force in Nigeria’s $1 billion food delivery market, operating across 11 cities and partnering with thousands of vendors. Its foray into Ghana in May 2025 represents the company’s first international move and a strategic step toward pan-African scale. Early operations have focused on key Accra neighborhoods such as Osu, Cantonments, and East Legon.
Localization and Incentives Drive Adoption
Chowdeck adapted its model for the Ghanaian market by introducing local rider training and reward programs to attract and retain talent. Riders benefit from “Rider Games,” an incentive structure offering cash bonuses and microloans of up to GHS1,000. For customers, features like referral bonuses and a gamified “ChowScore” loyalty system have boosted order volume and engagement.
Navigating Competitive Terrain
While Accra presents growth opportunities, it also poses serious competition from established delivery brands like Bolt Food. Chowdeck has responded with targeted leadership hires, including Henry Whyte, a former Bolt Ghana operations manager who now serves as the country lead. His experience is expected to help Chowdeck localize its operations and compete effectively.
Scaling with Vendors and Impact
Chowdeck’s success has also been shaped by its growing vendor ecosystem in Nigeria, where it facilitated $19 million in deliveries and supported numerous small businesses. One standout partner, a woman-led business, reported $1.5 million in revenue through the platform. These results underscore Chowdeck’s dual focus on scale and enabling economic impact for its partners.
Chowdeck’s strong start in Ghana affirms the viability of its expansion strategy and the strength of its execution. Surpassing 1,000 daily orders in just three months signals both rapid market fit and a clear opportunity to grow across borders. With local talent, tailored incentives, and strategic leadership, Chowdeck is positioning itself as a serious contender in Africa’s on-demand delivery space.