AFRICAN ALLIANCE EYES GLOBAL EXPANSION WITH KFC ACQUISITIONS

MBABANE - African Alliance, a leading investment and management firm in Eswatini, has revealed ambitious plans to expand its portfolio across continents and strengthen its presence locally.During the Revenue Blueprint Masterclass held on Saturday at the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) headquarters, African Alliance Partner S’thofeni Ginindza shared the company’s vision of acquiring KFC franchises in Europe, while also undertaking significant development projects in Eswatini.

Outlets

African Alliance, through its subsidiary Alliance Foods, has established itself as a major player in the fast-food industry. The company operates 11 KFC outlets in Eswatini and recently expanded its reach by acquiring 45 KFC outlets in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province from AKM Foods. This acquisition, completed in mid-2024, brought African Alliance’s total number of KFC outlets to 56 across southern Africa.Building on this regional success, African Alliance is now looking beyond Africa. Ginindza disclosed that the company is actively exploring opportunities to acquire KFC outlets in Europe.

Footprint

“Our success in managing KFC outlets locally and regionally has positioned us as a capable and reliable partner for the brand. We are confident that this move into Europe will enhance our footprint and diversify our revenue streams,” Ginindza said.This potential expansion aligns with African Alliance’s mission to create sustainable value and increase shareholder returns. While the specific European countries targeted for acquisition were not revealed, Ginindza emphasised the company’s ambitions for growth beyond Eswatini’s borders.
African Alliance’s business portfolio extends far beyond fast food. The company also owns Pick n Pay Lojaf, a prominent retail chain in Eswatini, and Select Limited, a financial services provider specialising in micro-lending and credit solutions. These ventures demonstrate African Alliance’s commitment to diversifying its investments and tapping into various sectors that contribute to Eswatini’s economic growth. The firm also has stakes in other businesses, including property development and renewable energy projects, positioning it as a key player in the country’s economic development.

… hints to build new hotel in Malkerns

EZULWINI - In a move to capitalise on Eswatini’s growing tourism sector, African Alliance plans to construct a hotel in Malkerns. The new development aims to cater to both business travellers and tourists seeking a serene yet convenient location. The upcoming development plans were hinted by the African Alliance Partner Sthofeni Ginindza. While more details about this proposed development were not shared, Ginindza underscored the importance of establishing a business with a mindset of looking beyond the local market.
The plans to build a hotel at Malkerns comes while the investor is also working on the E4 billion Manzini Arch project which is a transformative initiative that promises to redefine the country’s economic landscape and elevate the quality of life for the citizens.

Facility

This project will introduce exciting amenities to the community, including the first KFC drive-thru in Manzini City, a modern hotel and a remarkable facility to be called ‘The Jewel’, which will house key government services, ensuring that citizens have access to essential resources in a convenient and efficient manner. African Alliance is doubling down on its commitment to contributing to Eswatini’s economic growth and infrastructure development. One of its flagship projects, the Malkerns Square, is set for a significant upgrade. The development, located in the heart of the scenic Malkerns Valley, is a mixed-use complex combining retail, entertainment and lifestyle offerings.Ginindza revealed plans to expand the Malkerns Square to accommodate more retail spaces, recreational facilities and improved infrastructure. The expansion is expected to attract more tenants and visitors, boosting local business activity and creating new employment opportunities.

Foreign

The businessman shared that Malkerns Square residential flats are currently fully let to both local and foreign customers. He shared that when they established this property, they were looking beyond accommodating the local market, but also targeting foreigners who often visited the country for various reasons. Under the leadership of a dynamic team, including Ginindza and other partners, African Alliance has earned accolades for its strategic foresight and commitment to community development. The company prioritises initiatives that create long-term value for stakeholders while contributing to the socio-economic growth of Eswatini and the broader region.African Alliance’s expansion plans come at a time when Eswatini is striving to attract foreign investment and enhance local business growth. The proposed hotel and the expansion of the Malkerns Square are expected to inject millions into the economy and create hundreds of jobs during construction and operational phases.Moreover, the company’s international ambitions could serve as a beacon for other local enterprises aspiring to expand beyond African borders.

Importance

Ginindza highlighted the importance of fostering a business environment that encourages innovation and global competitiveness. Ginindza emphasised that the company’s expansion efforts would not come at the expense of its responsibility to the communities it serves. “As we grow, we remain committed to making a positive impact. Our success is intertwined with the well-being of the people and environments we engage with,” he stated.Like any ambitious venture, African Alliance’s plans are not without challenges. Expanding into Europe’s competitive fast-food market will require navigating regulatory landscapes, cultural differences and logistical complexities. However, the company’s proven track record in managing large-scale operations provides a strong foundation for tackling these challenges. On the domestic front, the success of the Malkerns projects will depend on effective collaboration with local authorities, stakeholders and communities.

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