Simbisa Brands Limited, Zimbabwe’s foremost quick service restaurant (QSR) group, is gearing up for a significant expansion across Southern and East Africa, announcing plans to open 53 new outlets in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Eswatini in 2026.
The company aims to open 40 new outlets in Zimbabwe, 11 in Kenya, and 2 in Eswatini, reinforcing its position as the leading fast food operator in the region. Alongside new openings, Simbisa will refurbish a total of 56 outlets, 39 in Zimbabwe, 12 in Kenya, and 5 in Eswatini, to enhance customer experience and maintain industry standards.
In its latest trading update for the quarter ending 31 March 2025, Simbisa reported a 4% year-on-year revenue increase, primarily driven by a 7% rise in real average spend per customer. However, customer visits dipped by 3% during the same period. For the nine months to date, revenue grew by 6%, supported by a 3% increase in both customer counts and average spending.
Operating a network of 722 outlets, 601 company-owned and 121 franchised, the group continues to grow steadily, having added 10 new company-operated and 10 franchised outlets over the past year.
Zimbabwe’s market saw a modest 1% revenue growth in Q3, supported by higher average spending, while customer numbers remained steady at 11.2 million for the quarter. Kenya’s operations experienced stronger growth, with a 13% revenue increase year-on-year in Q3 and 15% growth for the nine months, fuelled by a 25% jump in real average spend despite a 10% decline in customer visits.
Simbisa has also implemented cost management measures focused on energy efficiency, maintenance control, and optimising staffing structures to safeguard profitability amid evolving market challenges.
With these strategic expansions and operational improvements, Simbisa Brands is set to consolidate its market leadership, delivering enhanced value and convenience to customers across Southern and East Africa in the coming year.
