Shoprite to Exit Ghana and Malawi as It Refocuses on South Africa

BREAKING NEWSAugust 13, 2025 at 10:57 AM UTC

TLDR

Shoprite Holdings, South Africa’s largest retailer, will sell its operations in Ghana and Malawi, continuing a multi-year retreat from several African markets
The supermarket chain had expanded across 15 African countries, outpacing Pick n Pay and Massmart, but faced persistent challenges in certain markets
These exits follow earlier withdrawals from Nigeria, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Madagascar, alongside reduced capital spending

Shoprite Holdings, South Africa’s largest retailer, will sell its operations in Ghana and Malawi, continuing a multi-year retreat from several African markets to prioritise its domestic business.

In Malawi, Shoprite signed an agreement on June 6 to transfer five operating stores, pending clearance from the Competition and Fair Trading Commission and the Reserve Bank of Malawi. In Ghana, the group has received a binding offer for seven stores and a warehouse, with the sale deemed highly probable.

The supermarket chain had expanded across 15 African countries, outpacing Pick n Pay and Massmart, but faced persistent challenges in certain markets, including currency volatility, high import tariffs, dollar-denominated rents, and double-digit inflation.

These exits follow earlier withdrawals from Nigeria, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Madagascar, alongside reduced capital spending in remaining foreign operations. The strategy reflects a broader shift toward consolidating resources in South Africa, where the company generates most of its revenue and has a stronger supply chain and market position.

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Key Takeaways

Shoprite’s exits highlight the operational and macroeconomic difficulties of scaling retail in multiple African countries with diverse regulatory and currency environments. While its continental expansion once set it apart as Africa’s leading food retailer, sustained profitability proved elusive in some markets. By focusing on South Africa, Shoprite can leverage its dominant domestic market share, logistical infrastructure, and brand recognition. The retrenchment may also free up capital for store upgrades, e-commerce expansion, and supply chain optimisation at home, while allowing selective investment in African markets with more stable operating conditions.

Business

Shoprite

South Africa

Retail

Acquisition

Divestment