The supermarket landscape in Africa is rapidly evolving, with major chains competing for dominance across the continent.
Among them, Shoprite Holdings stands out as the largest supermarket chain, boasting over 2,989 stores across 15 countries.
In this article, WoA explores the rise of Shoprite and its impact on grocery retailing in Africa, alongside insights into other notable chains like Pick n Pay and Woolworths.
1. Shoprite
Shoprite Holdings Ltd is Africa’s largest supermarket retailer, headquartered in Brackenfell, South Africa.
It currently operates approximately 3,639 stores across 10 countries, including South Africa, Namibia and Angola.
The company offers a variety of retail formats such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores under brands like Shoprite, Checkers, and Usave.
With over 160,000 employees, Shoprite is also the largest private sector employer in South Africa, focusing on providing affordable goods and services.
2. SPAR
SPAR is a Dutch multinational franchise that operates a network of independently owned grocery stores.
In Africa, SPAR South Africa, established in 1963, is the primary operator, offering various formats including SUPERSPAR, SPAR Neighbourhood, KWIKSPAR, and SPAR Express.
SPAR South Africa had over 2,500 stores across Southern Africa.
The total SPAR store network globally has expanded to approximately 13,900 stores in 48 countries.
3. Pick n Pay
Pick n Pay is a major South African retail chain founded in 1967 by Raymond Ackerman.
It operates over 2,200 stores across eight African countries, including Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, and Eswatini, and holds a 49% stake in Zimbabwe’s TM Supermarkets.
The company offers a diverse range of products through various formats, such as supermarkets and hypermarkets, catering to different customer segments.
4. Massmart
Massmart, a subsidiary of Walmart, operates over 443 stores across 14 African countries, with the majority located in South Africa.
Its brands include Game, Makro, and Builders Warehouse, focusing on general merchandise and home improvement supplies.
Massmart has been expanding cautiously, recently planning to open additional stores in Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, and Zambia.
5. Woolworths
Woolworths, a prominent retail group based in South Africa, operates 651 stores across Africa, including 61 locations in 12 countries outside South Africa.
Its offerings primarily include clothing and food, with a significant focus on fresh produce.
The company aims to expand its African footprint, potentially increasing store numbers to 180 in the next seven years, with a strategy shifting towards joint ventures rather than franchises.
6. Choppies Enterprises
Choppies Enterprises Limited, founded in 1986 in Lobatse, Botswana, is a leading multinational grocery retailer operating across Southern Africa.
The company has expanded significantly, currently boasting over 150 stores in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and beyond.
The company is publicly traded on the Botswana Stock Exchange and has plans for further expansion into East Africa.
7. Naivas
Naivas is a prominent Kenyan supermarket chain founded in 1990, known for its extensive network of over 100 stores across the country.
The company focuses on providing a diverse range of products, including groceries, household items, and personal care products, catering to everyday consumer needs.
Recently, Naivas has been expanding its footprint, aiming to enhance its food market concept and improve customer experience.
8. Auchan
Auchan, a French multinational retail group, has been expanding in Africa since 2014, starting in Senegal and later entering Côte d’Ivoire in 2022.
Auchan operates over 50 stores across the continent, including 39 in Senegal and 14 in Côte d’Ivoire.
The company plans to launch in Algeria by the end of 2023, further solidifying its presence in the region.
