Since its 2021 debut in Nigeria, global on-demand delivery platform Glovo has helped local vendors generate over ₦71 billion ($42 million) in revenue, a milestone revealed during its Future of Commerce 2025 summit held in Lagos. This figure highlights Glovo’s rising influence in Nigeria’s bustling e-commerce space, as it steadily moves from being food-focused to a multi-category retail powerhouse.
With more than 6,000 vendors operating on the platform across Nigeria, these businesses now account for 13% of Glovo’s 45,000 African partners. Since its African expansion began in 2018, Glovo has funneled over €200 million in investments into six African markets—Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, and Uganda—establishing a presence in 75 cities continent-wide.
Strong Growth and Rider Empowerment
In Nigeria alone, Glovo is active in 11 cities, with Lagos at the heart of its operations. Its network of 2,400 delivery riders reportedly earn 2–3 times Nigeria’s minimum wage of ₦70,000, mirroring similar platforms like Chowdeck, which supports around 10,000 riders. In recognition of dedication, Glovo recently honored an Abuja-based courier who has completed 14,000 successful deliveries since joining.
According to Lamide Akinola, General Manager of Glovo Nigeria, the company is building “a tech-driven, inclusive marketplace” that empowers Nigerian small businesses through access to data insights, logistical support, and financial tools.
Despite exiting Egypt and Ghana due to sustainability issues—decisions that mirror Jumia Food’s own retreat from Ghana—Glovo has continued scaling its Nigerian operations while pursuing profitability.
Beyond Food: Diversifying Nigeria’s Retail Ecosystem
2024 saw a 76% increase in quick-commerce GMV, driven by a significant expansion into non-food sectors like electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Today, 20% of Glovo’s Nigerian users shop for items beyond meals—mirroring broader shifts in consumer behavior, where delivery platforms are evolving into general-purpose digital marketplaces.
Cashless Momentum and Strategic Flexibility
The shift toward digital transactions is also evident. In 2021, 88% of Glovo orders were paid in cash. That figure has since dropped to 39%, reflecting a 55% decline and aligning with the federal government’s cashless economy initiative. While competitors like Chowdeck and FoodCourt have tightened cash usage to mitigate fraud and order cancellations, Glovo still accepts cash, possibly as a trust-building strategy with customers.
Economic Value and Ecosystem Impact
Glovo’s newly released Yellow Effect Report claims the platform has generated €1 billion in economic impact across its 45,000 African partner businesses—90% of which are SMEs—between 2020 and 2024. The Lagos summit featured discussions with top brands like Chicken Republic, Burger King, and Sweet Sensation, as well as financial service providers like WEMA Bank and Moniepoint, who explored ways to support SME growth.
Popular virtual food vendors such as 500Chow, Toasties, and FireWood Jollof shared how Glovo’s logistics infrastructure has solved key delivery bottlenecks, helping them scale operations and reach wider audiences.
With continued investment in technology, vendor empowerment, and category expansion, Glovo is positioning itself as a long-term force in Nigeria’s digital commerce ecosystem—driving economic participation, job creation, and inclusive retail growth.
