Times Of Swaziland: AFRICAN ALLIANCE EYES GLOBAL EXPANSION WITH KFC ACQUISITIONS

AFRICAN ALLIANCE EYES GLOBAL EXPANSION WITH KFC ACQUISITIONS
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Nhlanganiso Mkhonta on 13/01/2025 07:58:00


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.