Find out which 11 African countries have Burger King and get the scoop on where the fast food giant is growing across the continent in this post.
1. Egypt
Launch: 2007
Number of Outlets: >46
Egypt is Africa’s top tourist destination, so it’s no surprise Burger King chose it as their first African location. With tourists already familiar with the brand from back home, it made sense to cater to them. While locals are definitely curious to try it, tourists seem to be the main target here.
The Olayan Group, which has been in the food service game since the early ’90s, snagged the Burger King franchise for Saudi Arabia and eventually expanded as the master franchisee for the broader Arab region. Their subsidiary, Olayan Food Services Co. (OFS), runs the Burger King franchises in the UAE, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco.
2. Morocco
Launch: 2011
Number of Outlets: >39
Morocco ranks second in Africa for tourism, with over 14.5 million visitors yearly, just shy of Egypt’s 14.9 million. So, it makes perfect sense that Burger King picked Morocco as its second African location in 2011, five years after launching in Egypt.
Plus, since the Olayan Group holds the franchise for Morocco, it was natural for them to expand here as their second Arabic country in Africa.
Unlike McDonald’s, which only has two locations in Morocco, Burger King has a lot more. There are currently 39 outlets spread across seven cities: Casablanca (with six locations), Rabat, Marrakesh, Fes, El Jadida, Beni Mellal, and Tangiers.
Most of these are conveniently located in high-end shopping malls, while others can be found at gas stations, especially along highways.
3. South Africa
Launch: 2013
Number of Outlets: >102
Most global food chains tend to make South Africa their first stop when launching in Africa. McDonald’s and Starbucks both did the same, and it makes sense—South Africa is one of the most developed countries on the continent and a popular tourist destination, often ranking as the 3rd or 4th most visited country in Africa.
Burger King followed suit in May 2013, opening its first South African branch in Cape Town. Unlike Egypt and Morocco, where the franchise is managed by the Olayan Group, Burger King South Africa (Pty) Ltd handles the operation here. In November 2021, it was acquired by private equity firm Emerging Capital Partners (ECP).
Since then, Burger King has expanded rapidly, with 102 outlets across the country, 95 of which are corporate-owned. This makes South Africa the African country with the most Burger King locations, even outpacing Egypt by over double the store count, which was launched six years earlier.
4. Ivory Coast
Launch: 2015
Number of Outlets: >7
The first-ever restaurant to be open is located in CFAO PlaYce Marcory Shopping Mall, in Abidjan the capital, there are currently over 7 outlets with the majority if not all of them in the capital Abidjan, the franchise is operated by Serveair which also operates Burger King franchises in Kenya
5. Kenya
Launch: 2016
Number of Outlets: 5
Burger King in Kenya is run by Servair, the same company that operates in Ivory Coast, so it’s no surprise that after opening there in 2015, they brought it to Kenya too the following year. The first Burger King in Kenya opened up at The Hub Karen, one of the fancier malls in Nairobi.
Now, there are five Burger King spots scattered around the city, which also happens to be the first in all of East Africa.
Despite this, Burger King hasn’t really taken off in Kenya. Most people still prefer burgers from local joints, and when it comes to American fast food, KFC is the reigning supreme.
6. Ghana
Launch: 2018
Number of Outlets: >6
In Ghana, Burger King is run by SIA QSR, with the first branch opening at Accra Mall in the capital in 2018; 2 years later after launching in Kenya. This was the second West African location after the Ivory Coast launch in 2015. Today, there are six Burger King locations spread across Accra.
7. Tunisia
Launch: 2019
Number of Outlets: >8
Burger King made its debut in Tunisia in 2019 at the Mall of Sousse. Since Tunisia is an Arabic country, the restaurant is, of course, halal. Right now, there are eight Burger King locations spread across Tunisia, and unlike in some countries where all the branches are in the capital, they’re scattered in different cities. These include Sousse, Tunis, La Marsa, Hammamet, Monastir, Sfax, and Nabeul.
And yes, Burger King has some special menu items just for Tunisia.
8. Ethiopia
Launch: 2020
Number of Outlets: 3
Burger King has partnered with Belayab Foods Production, the same company that runs Pizza Hut in Ethiopia, to kick off its operations in the country. Belayab Foods is the franchise holder for both Pizza Hut and Cold Stone Creamery in Ethiopia. With Pizza Hut already established, Burger King becomes the second big international fast food chain to set up shop there.
Right now, there are three Burger King branches in Addis Ababa, the capital. Ethiopia has been notorious for having fake copy cats like “KKFC” for KFC ,Starbucks, In & Out and other brand piracies
9. Nigeria
Launch: 2021
Number of Outlets: 16
In just three years, Burger King has already opened 16 locations in Nigeria, even though they launched later than in other countries. This rapid growth makes sense since Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and one of the continent’s most lucrative markets. However, Burger King’s entry was delayed for almost a decade because they struggled to find the right partner.
Currently, there are 12 outlets in Lagos, one in Ibadan, and three in Abuja, making Burger King the largest fast food burger chain in Nigeria. The first location opened in Victoria Island, Lagos, and Burger King Nigeria is run by Allied Foods and Confectionery Services.
10. Mauritius
Launch: 2021
Number of Outlets: 5
Mauritius is the most developed country in Africa as of 2024, it is surprising seeing Burger King launch late, keep in Mind Mauratius is among the only 4 countries with McDonald’s in Africa, Burger King was launched in the Island of Mauritius by Hyvec group in 2021 and in total there are 5 operational branches
11. Djibouti
Launch: 2022
Number of Outlets: 1
Since Djibouti is a small country it makes sense that there is only one location for Burger King also considering that they launched there just recently in 2022. Djibouti Burger King is on Rue de Venise next gto Djibouti Bawadi Mall
