City Distro, a Nigerian startup, wants to digitise the distribution of fast-moving consumer goods, starting with a network covering seven Nigerian hubs and targeting expansion across Africa.
The company connects manufacturers with retailers through a platform that combines inventory data, logistics and direct ordering. It is targeting a fragmented distribution system that often relies on multiple intermediaries and informal retail networks.
“Distribution in this part of the world is inherently local and heavily last-mile driven,” said Olamide Olabisi, founder and CEO of City Distro. “What has been missing is supply-chain intelligence.”
City Distro said it has reached more than 1,000 retail stores over the past two years and distributed more than 5 million units of goods worth over $3 million. It says orders are typically fulfilled within 24 to 48 hours.
Its retail customers include Prince Ebeano Supermarket, Foodco, Market Square, Pick n Pay and Jendol Supermarket. Operations span Lagos, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osogbo, Port Harcourt and Abuja.
The company’s platform provides manufacturers with inventory and demand data, connects them directly with retailers and coordinates deliveries through a network of micro-hubs.
City Distro also plans to offer financial services, including inventory-backed credit for retailers based on sales data.
The company distributes beverages, household products and food staples, with a focus on emerging brands that can face challenges reaching fragmented retail markets.
It plans to expand its retailer network to more than 10,000 locations, add manufacturers and increase logistics capacity before entering other African markets.
Africa’s fast-moving consumer goods market was estimated at $628 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $1.047 trillion by 2033, according to figures cited by City Distro.
