Famous Brands Looks to Kenya and Ghana for Growth as It Expands Across Africa

South African restaurant group Famous Brands is looking beyond its home market as it explores new business opportunities in Kenya and Ghana. The planned expansion reflects the growing interest of major food companies in Africa's consumer markets and the opportunities available in the continent's restaurant industry.

The move could strengthen Famous Brands' presence outside South Africa while bringing more restaurant choices to customers in other African countries.
## What expansion is planned?
According to a report published by Sunday Times Business on October 24, 2026, Famous Brands plans to open several new restaurants in Kenya over the next six months.
The company already operates three popular brands in Kenya:
Steers
Debonairs Pizza
Mugg & Bean
However, management believes there is still considerable room to grow because its existing presence in the country is relatively small.
The company is also negotiating a possible licensing agreement in Ghana. If successful, the agreement could allow Famous Brands to introduce its restaurant brands into the West African market.
Chief executive Darren Hele identified Kenya as an especially promising market outside South Africa. The company operates more than 3,070 restaurants across 21 markets.
## Why are African consumer markets important?
Africa is becoming an attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their customer base.
Several factors make markets such as Kenya and Ghana appealing:
1. Growing urban populations: More people are living and working in cities, increasing demand for convenient food services.
2. Changing lifestyles: Busy workers, families and students increasingly look for accessible restaurants, takeaway meals and food delivery services.
3. Business opportunities: Expanding into new countries gives restaurant companies access to customers beyond their traditional markets.
4. Local partnerships: Licensing and franchising agreements allow established restaurant brands to work with local business operators when entering new markets.
For Famous Brands, these opportunities could support long-term growth while reducing its dependence on the South African market.
## What does this mean for food chains in Africa?
The Famous Brands expansion plan highlights the growing importance of Africa's restaurant and food-service industry.
It also shows that African countries are not just markets for international businesses but potential growth centres for African-owned companies.
For example, a successful expansion into Kenya or Ghana could create opportunities for local franchise operators, employees, suppliers and property owners.
Competition could also increase as established restaurant groups seek to attract customers with affordable meals, convenient locations and improved services.
Famous Brands is also investing in digital technology, including its Munch platform, to improve ordering and payment experiences.
However, expansion is not without challenges. Businesses must understand local tastes, purchasing power, operating costs and competition before entering new markets.
In conclusion, famous Brands' interest in Kenya and Ghana represents another important development in Africa's growing retail and restaurant sector.
Its plans demonstrate how African companies can look beyond their home countries to find new customers and business opportunities.
Although the Ghana agreement is still under negotiation, the planned Kenyan outlets show the company's commitment to expanding its African footprint.
The success of this strategy will depend on how well Famous Brands adapts its restaurant brands to local markets while delivering quality, convenience and value to customers.