On a XOF 8,500 poke bowl delivered via Glovo, the resto pockets XOF 5,950 after commission. That is 30% lost. The math deserves a cold-blooded look before saying yes to every platform. Here is how Kolonell helps resto clients arbitrate Yango Eats, Glovo, Jumia Food and own delivery.
TL;DR
- Yango Eats: 25% commission, launched Senegal 2024
- Glovo: 30% commission, Dakar volume leader
- Jumia Food: shut down in December 2023 (so old guides are wrong)
- Own delivery: 8 to 12% via freelance courier, but heavy ops
- Switch threshold: 80 orders/month to consider going own-delivery
The Dakar delivery landscape 2026
Jumia Food shut down late 2023 — many online guides are out of date. By 2026 Dakar runs on three actors: Glovo (historical leader), Yango Eats (aggressive entrant since 2024) and a freelance courier ecosystem like Click. Commission competition has eased slightly (Yango 25% vs Glovo 30%) but the restaurateur is still squeezed.
Three metrics you must track
- Real acquisition cost per delivered order: commission + paid vs free visibility.
- Average delivery ticket vs dine-in: typically -15% on delivery.
- Complaint rate: 3 to 5% is standard, beyond that it kills your rating.
Yango Eats vs Glovo: the commission match
| Platform | Resto commission | Customer delivery fee | Paid promotion | Dakar coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glovo | 30% | XOF 1,500-3,000 | Yes (Glovo Prime) | All Dakar + Saly |
| Yango Eats | 25% | XOF 1,000-2,500 | Yes (sponsored) | Urban Dakar |
| Own delivery | 0% (but 8-12% courier) | Your call | None | Your call |
| Click (freelance) | 12-15% | XOF 1,200-2,000 | Limited | Almadies, Mermoz, Point E |
Glovo commission actually varies from 28% to 33% depending on negotiated contract. Chains negotiate below 25%. Independents pay full price. Yango deliberately undercut at 25% to grab share — that will not last forever.
The "we take every platform" trap
Three platforms = three tablets in the kitchen = three desynchronized order flows = chef burnout. Saw it at a Ngor client in 2025: we cut Glovo (their least profitable channel) and delivery revenue dropped 18% but delivery margin rose 42%. Do less, better.
Own delivery: when it pays off
Above 80 delivery orders/month, the own-delivery math becomes interesting. Typical model: 1 scooter courier, 8-12% on the order (vs 25-30% platform). The customer orders directly on your site (received via form or WhatsApp Business), you dispatch.
- Step 1 — install an order module on your site (Kolonell codes it in Next.js).
- Step 2 — recruit 1 or 2 freelance couriers, paid per delivery.
- Step 3 — communicate the direct channel via flyer in every platform bag.
- Step 4 — offer 10% off for direct site orders.
- Step 5 — shift 30-40% of orders off-platform within 6 months.
The "full-time salaried courier" mistake
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
A salaried courier at XOF 90,000/month + fuel + scooter maintenance costs around XOF 145,000 all-in. So you need 145 orders/month just to amortize. With freelance per delivery (XOF 800-1,200/run), you pay on use. Much healthier at start.
Marketplace: capture without depending
Golden rule: use Glovo and Yango as acquisition channels, not main channels. Every platform order must funnel to a direct one. Concretely: 10%-off flyer in the bag, QR sticker to your site, scan-to-redeem promo code.
One of our Almadies clients moved from a 95/5 platform/direct ratio to 62/38 in 9 months. Delivery margin went from 12% to 26%.
FAQ
Q: Real Glovo commissions in 2026?
A: 30% standard, negotiable to 25% for chains with 5+ outlets, 22% for groups with 15+. Setup fee: zero.
Q: Does Yango Eats cover Dakar well?
A: Strong urban coverage (Plateau, Almadies, Mermoz, Point E, Ngor). Weaker in suburbs (Pikine, Guédiawaye). Glovo handles the periphery better.
Q: Does Wave Business work for own delivery?
A: Yes, your site generates a Wave payment link per order. Customer pays before courier dispatch. Zero default risk.
Q: How much for an order module on a Kolonell site?
A: Included in our Restaurant site packs from XOF 750,000. Standalone: XOF 320,000 add-on.
Conclusion
Delivery in Dakar is no longer optional, but 30% commissions make it mandatory to push a direct channel. Yango at 25% offers breathing room but does not change the strategy: capture via platforms, retain on your own site. Kolonell builds both for resto clients. Request a quote or WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.