- Mano, an Angolan grocery delivery startup, has expanded into the food delivery market in Lagos and Abuja.
- The company has introduced a new model enabling customers to track their delivery process and ensuring deliveries within a 10km radius of its restaurant partners.
Launched in Nigeria in 2022 to deliver groceries and household appliances from its dark stores in the states where it operates, the company now seeks to compete with established entities such as Chowdeck and Glovo.
Per Statista, Nigeria's food delivery market is projected to generate $2.01 billion in revenue by 2024. This sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 13.64% (CAGR 2024-2029), reaching a market volume of $3.81 billion by 2029.
Despite its high delivery charges of ₦1,400 per delivery, Mano appears to be establishing a strong reputation among major contenders in the delivery business. While achieving a 15-minute delivery time is a significant challenge, the startup claims it’s been satisfying its customers.
Meanwhile, the company has implemented an aggregation model used by several delivery brands. This model ensures that its staff meticulously inspect the quality and freshness of the produce and items for purchase, rather than solely relying on their restaurant partners.
While the grocery company has adopted a unique strategy centred on customer service to distinguish itself amid the fierce competition among existing delivery platforms, other online food delivery businesses in the country are ramping up their efforts.
In April 2024, Chowdeck, a Nigerian on-demand delivery service, secured $2.5 million in seed funding to strengthen its position in the Nigerian market. In 2023, it signed exclusive deals with Nigeria's largest QSR brand, Chicken Republic, a month after inking with Shoprite. Those deals have helped the startup gain more users and strengthen its position in the Nigerian market.
Glovo, on the other hand, partnered with EV manufacturer, Siltech to use its EV products and services for delivery in some parts of Lagos, Nigeria.
Meanwhile, in 2023, Jumia Food and Bolt Food withdrew from the Nigerian online food delivery markets. Bolt Food's exit, despite its expansion in major cities like Lagos, was due to economic downturns, high inflation, and fierce competition from established rivals like Jumia Food, Gokada, and Uber Eats.
