Empowering Local Restaurants and Women-Owned Businesses
ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE — June 14, 2025 — In a bold step to empower local food vendors and drive digital inclusion, Local Eats Africa has officially launched its operations in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The expansion, which was unveiled during the vibrant Gateway Games, was met with overwhelming enthusiasm as local restaurant owners signed up in droves to join the platform.
ABEOKUTA CITY
Among the excited new users was Madam Semira Motunrayo, a long-time restaurant owner, who shared her joy: “I have been looking for an opportunity to sell online, but there was no platform that gave local restaurants like us a chance to partner with them and help us grow. Local Eats Africa is exactly what we’ve been waiting for.”
While platforms like Chowdeck and Heyfood currently serve Abeokuta’s fast food and quick service markets, Local Eats Africa is distinguishing itself by targeting a frequently overlooked segment—local, community-based restaurants, many of which are women-owned and serve affordable meals.
“We are focused on creating inclusion for the local restaurants underserved and overlooked by foodtech platforms,” said Fashola-Oba Ashiodolo, Founder and CEO of Local Eats Africa. “These businesses are essential to our communities, and we want to ensure they remain sustainable and thrive in the digital economy through online sales and credit financing.”
This move marks Abeokuta as the third city in Local Eats Africa’s growing network, following successful rollouts in Lagos and Ibadan. But the company’s ambitions go far beyond Nigeria’s southwest region.
“We want to help local restaurants in every urban city in Africa grow,” said Sheba Asuquo, Co-founder and Head of People and Performance. “It’s not just about food delivery—it’s about economic empowerment, job creation, and supporting grassroots businesses with the tools they need to succeed.”
Local Eats Africa’s proprietary technology offers API integration with major food delivery platforms such as Chowdeck, Heyfood, and Glovo, allowing restaurants to manage orders seamlessly across multiple channels while gaining access to financial tools.
For Esther Akowe, Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer, the impact of their work is deeply personal and powerful.
“When I hear stories of how women-owned restaurants use our application to sell their local meals, how local riders earn a living making deliveries, or how a restaurant accesses funds through our app to support their business—it’s inspiring,” Akowe said. “It reminds me why building technology for social impact is not just necessary, but fulfilling.”
As Local Eats Africa deepens its presence in Nigeria and beyond, the company is proving that inclusive innovation—especially when it centers the needs of women and grassroots entrepreneurs—can transform communities, one meal at a time.
