Nigeria has emerged as the fastest-growing market for global delivery platform Glovo, underscoring the country’s rising influence in Africa’s digital commerce ecosystem and the company’s long-term commitment to the region.

The milestone was announced at the Future of Commerce 2026 summit held in Lagos, where Glovo revealed it has invested more than ₦37 billion ($27 million) in Nigeria since entering the market in 2021. Within the past year alone, the platform facilitated the delivery of 38 million items, nearly doubling the economic value generated for businesses operating on its network.

According to Glovo Nigeria’s General Manager, Reni Onafeko, the company’s strategy centres on enabling small and medium-sized businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace. She emphasised that partnerships across public and private sectors are key to unlocking sustainable growth and long-term impact.

Nigeria’s performance now places it at the heart of Glovo’s African operations, which span countries including Morocco, Tunisia, Kenya, Uganda and Côte d’Ivoire. Since launching on the continent in 2018, the company says it has invested over €250 million, with Africa now accounting for a quarter of its global business.

Industry data presented at the summit showed that Nigeria’s online food delivery market surpassed $1 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $2.7 billion by 2034. This rapid expansion has intensified competition, with local platforms such as Chowdeck and HeyFood competing alongside international players like Glovo.

L-R: Deputy Director, Commerce, Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Alugba S.K; General Manager, Glovo Nigeria, Reni Onafeko; Deputy Director, Cooperatives, Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Ayo Abiodun; and Africa General Manager, Glovo, Dima Rasnovsky, during the Future of Commerce Summit 2.0. Image: Glovo
With a population exceeding 200 million, an urbanisation rate of 55.8%, and internet penetration of 45.4%, Nigeria is increasingly viewed as a high-potential environment for on-demand services at scale. For Glovo’s Africa Regional General Manager, Dima Rasnovsky, these factors combine to create strong market momentum and long-term opportunity.

At the operational level, the company attributes a significant portion of its growth to continuous improvements in its technology. Onafeko noted that product and service enhancements contributed to 35% of sales growth among merchants in the past year, highlighting the role of user experience in driving demand.

Glovo has also introduced safety-focused innovations. In March 2026, it partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps to roll out a road safety feature that provides real-time data on rider behaviour, including speed and braking patterns. The tool has already recorded a 60% adoption rate among riders, reflecting efforts to improve efficiency and safety across its delivery network.

Looking ahead, Glovo plans to expand beyond the 11 Nigerian cities where it currently operates, targeting underserved areas in response to growing demand from both consumers and businesses. While specific timelines were not disclosed, the move signals an aggressive push to deepen market penetration.

The company is also broadening its focus beyond food delivery into multi-category commerce, including groceries and retail. This aligns with wider industry trends, as platforms evolve into full-service marketplaces. Notably, Chowdeck recently partnered with GoLemon to strengthen its grocery offering through same-day delivery from dedicated fulfilment hubs.

Onafeko said Glovo intends to build on its current position by expanding across multiple product categories, reinforcing its role within Nigeria’s digital economy.

As competition intensifies and demand accelerates, Nigeria’s position as a central hub for on-demand commerce continues to solidify, offering both global and local players a rapidly expanding market with significant long-term potential.