The startup is targeting the still nascent food delivery market by digitising the entire process, from ordering to payment, to improve transaction transparency for restaurants.

Madyo is an e-commerce platform developed by a Malawian startup that connects users with restaurants in the country’s main cities. The company, based in the capital Lilongwe, was founded in 2021 by Mike Kachembwe.

The platform is available as a mobile app on iOS and Android, with just over a hundred downloads so far. Users can browse menus, place orders and track deliveries in real time. It also features an AI-powered recommendation system that suggests dishes based on user preferences and local consumption patterns.

The app integrates widely used mobile money services to facilitate payments. Average delivery time is around 30 minutes, with real-time tracking.

For restaurants, the platform provides an additional sales channel, helping them reach more customers without investing in their own logistics. For users, it offers a wider range of options while reducing the need to travel.

The service reflects a broader trend toward digitizing urban services across Africa. As smartphone penetration rises and consumer habits evolve, delivery platforms are gaining traction, particularly in large cities.

Since its launch, Madyo says it has more than 50,000 customers and over 500 partner restaurants. “We are transforming last-mile logistics in Malawi. Our platform covers the full delivery process,” the company said.

Adoni Conrad Quenum