When young, educated women come together to create solutions that empower older, less formally educated women, it transcends mere employment — it becomes a powerful act of social impact. At Local Eats Africa, this is the heart of our mission: using innovation and empathy to bridge the digital and economic gap for women who run restaurants, often under challenging circumstances. Read about Local Eats Africa
In many communities across Nigeria, women have been the backbone of local cuisine and culinary entrepreneurship. Our mothers, aunties, and grandmothers run restaurants with rich traditions, deep flavors, and unmatched hospitality. Yet, many of these women have been left behind in the digital revolution. With little to no exposure to technology, bookkeeping, or formal financing structures, they often operate informally, limiting their growth and exposing them to inefficiencies and financial risk.
Local Eats Africa was founded to change that. We believe that every woman who runs a food business — no matter her age or background — deserves a fair chance at sustainability and growth. We build tools and systems that help these women bring their businesses into the digital age. From online ordering platforms to mobile bookkeeping apps and access to credit financing, our services are designed not just to modernize operations, but to transform livelihoods.
Real Women, Real Impact
Take Mrs. Mary Ekpo, a restaurant owner with over seven years of experience. Before joining Local Eats Africa, Mary had never made a sale online. Her operations were entirely manual, and she struggled to keep track of her finances. After signing up on localeats.africa, Mary shared:
“Since I signed up to localeats.africa, they helped increase my sales, and for the first time, I started making sales online. The bookkeeping app they shared with me now helps me track my sales and expenses better. I’ve even been able to cut down on areas of fraud I never knew existed in my restaurant. Words cannot express how happy I am.”
Mary’s story is not unique. Across Lagos and Ibadan, we’ve seen dozens of women experience similar transformations.
Another example is Mrs. Mbakara, who operates a local restaurant in Agbowo, UI Ibadan. Facing financial difficulties, she joined Local Eats Africa hoping for a breakthrough. She recalls:
“I was able to make sales and get financial support to pay my restaurant rent without stress. These people are very helpful — and they are young too — which makes me surprised how they do all these things.”
A Movement Rooted in Solidarity
Fashola-Oba Ashiodolo cofounder of Local Eats Africa said, Our work is more than tech deployment. It’s about reclaiming dignity and expanding opportunity. At Local Eats Africa, we are proud to see educated young women building tools to empower older women — women who have carried their communities for decades through food, culture, and care.
By enabling these restaurant owners to access digital tools, improve their operations, and gain financial confidence, we’re not just growing businesses — we’re supporting families, communities, and cultural heritage.
We’re just getting started. As we continue to expand, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that no woman is left behind in the digital economy — especially not the ones who have fed us for generations.
Local Eats Africa: Supporting the hands that feed the nation.
