Nairobi is the leading African city for online food delivery, report

Nairobi is the leading city across Africa for online food delivery, followed by Casablanca (Morocco), Lagos (Nigeria) Kampala (Uganda) and Abidjan (Ivory Coast). This is according to the Jumia Kenya Food Index 2020 report released today. 

The Kenya Food Index Report indicates the estimated market size for online food and beverage is Kenya’s KES 1.8 billion and projected to reach 3.8 billion by 2024, African Development Bank (AFDB). The country’s 2.1M active online consumers are expected to double by 2024. This projection is encouraging as it promises job creation and an injection to the local economy – assuming the Digital Economy is allowed to flourish.

According to the report, enhanced availability of popular vendors and increased mobile and internet penetration in the country have also played a role in raising awareness of online shopping platforms such as Jumia Food. 

The report was launched ahead of the World Food Day set for 16th October. The report shares food trends impacted this year by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

It notes that Kenyans spent Ksh.2,000 on average for a meal on Jumia Food, which is 25% higher than the same period last year, while the least expensive meals cost as low as Kes 200. Chicken was the most ordered cuisine followed by burgers and pizza. 

“Home delivery from restaurants and supermarkets is growing fast, as more consumers are choosing to order from home or the office and want to avoid crowds. We have been working hard this year to continue to improve our quality of service. Our average delivery times on Jumia Food are down to 35 minutes today in Kenya, and I expect we will do better by the end of the year.’’ said Jumia CEO Sam Chappatte.

‘’We are also signing up more restaurants and stores, particularly smaller independents, so that customers have the choice they expect, at affordable prices. We hope that this combination of fast delivery and relevant and affordable choices, will make Jumia Food an everyday service for millions of Kenyans over time.”  he added.

The report also shows that foreign cuisines are gaining more popularity, with Kenyans opting for burgers and pizzas and exploring different cuisines like Indian and Chinese meals. This data implies that Kenyan families are becoming more creative and less traditional in the way they source for their meals. 

New services like Jumia Prime have played a key role in bringing down the cost of food delivery, as the service allows unlimited free delivery for customers who subscribe to the service. Free delivery also extends to the main Jumia ecommerce platform (for free delivery on products).

Enhanced availability of popular vendors and increased mobile and internet penetration in the country have also played a role in raising awareness of online shopping platforms such as Jumia Food. Baba-Nyama-Choma is the most popular local independent restaurant on Jumia Food, followed closely by Marita’s Bhajias, Swahili Plate and Wok on Wheels. KFC is the most popular international chain. Players in the market continue to adopt various developmental strategies to expand their fast food market share, increase profitability and remain competitive (such as dark stores).

“We are grateful to all consumers who have supported local restaurants and food vendors since the outbreak and urge them to use online to help sustain businesses during this difficult time” said Jumia Food Chief Commercial Officer, Shreenal Ruparelia adding that consumers are becoming more and more sophisticated, with 65% saying they prefer to order their food via Jumia Food App and the remaining still opting for web usage.

The Kenya Food Index launch coincides with the Jumia Food Festival, which is currently ongoing, in which Kenyans can find amazing deals every day through October from local and international restaurants.

Jumia Food is present in Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu and Mombasa, and partners with close to 1000 restaurants across Kenya. Non-restaurant services available on Jumia Food include groceries, pharmacies, beverages, gas and water – all delivered to customers’ doorsteps in 35 minutes.

Follow us on Telegram, Twitter, Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates.