KFC plans to ramp up investment in Africa

In November 2011, KFC South Africa announced the purchase of 68 franchise stores from Kumnandi Food Company, as part of its accelerated investment programme in South Africa. The acquisition forms part of its expansion program domestically and onto the continent.

KFC is part of Yum! Brands, Inc., one of the world's largest restaurant companies in terms of system restaurants with more than 36 000 restaurants in more than 117 countries and 1.4 million company and franchise associates.

"Yum! Brands Inc's acquisition of the 68 sites situated in Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Kimberley marks an important brand milestone for our organisation. This is a clear demonstration of the group's commitment to making meaningful economic contributions to the markets we operate in as we actively grow our brands," said KFC MD Keith Warren.

"The acquisition means the group has equity in its own restaurants for the first time in 10 years. This milestone comes at an important time in the economies of the broader region and is a clear commitment to play an active role across the world's great consumer frontier."

The substantial investment by the international group in South Africa is testimony that South Africa and Africa as a whole has tremendous potential for the expansion of the business.

The company intends to accelerate development of the brand and business rapidly through the building of many new stores and business on the continent with the consequent creation of jobs, infrastructure and supply chains. Skills development and social upliftment through its social responsibility programs and partnership with the United Nations World Food Program will all flow consequently.

"We believe owning and operating stores in South Africa will not only benefit the country but will also provide a base to accelerate the development of our consumers' most loved fast food brand throughout Africa," concludes Warren.