When you think of McDonald’s, you probably picture busy American cities or European capitals, but did you know only four out of Africa’s 54 countries have a McDonald’s? South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco make sense, but Mauritius? Now that’s a curveball. Let’s break down why McDonald’s picked these countries, and yes, we’ll touch on that random Mauritius location.
South Africa – The Obvious Pick
It’s no shocker that South Africa has McDonald’s. As Africa’s most developed country with a high standard of living, a strong middle class, and a booming tourism industry, it’s fertile ground for fast-food franchises.
Infact South Africa has more domestic fast food brands than any other country in Africa such as Steers, Nandos, Debonairs Pizza, Chicken Licken, Galitos, Spur, Hungry Lion, and so on, and most of these restaurants have expanded beyond South Africa and present in select African countries like Kenya, Zimbabwe and Nigeria
South Africa also has a pretty diverse population, including a sizable expat community that’s probably craving a Big Mac or two. On top of that, South Africa’s infrastructure supports international chains, with KFC, Burger King, and Subway already thriving there. So, McDonald’s setting up shop here? No surprise at all.
Egypt – Pyramid Enjoyers
Egypt’s McDonald’s presence is another no-brainer. The country has the largest population in the Arab world (475 Million), making it a huge market for any business, fast food included.
With millions of tourists visiting Egypt every year, especially to see the pyramids, international chains are bound to pop up in tourist hotspots.
Egypt also has a strong expat community and a solid middle class that fuels consumer demand for Western-style fast food. And with Egyptian tourism back on the rise, McDonald’s is perfectly positioned to feed both tourists and locals alike.
Morocco
Morocco is an intriguing blend of traditional culture and modernity, and McDonald’s presence here isn’t that shocking either. The country enjoys a relatively high standard of living compared to many of its African neighbors, and it’s a tourist magnet.
With bustling cities like Casablanca, (the capital) and Marrakesh and a growing middle class, Morocco has all the ingredients for a thriving McDonald’s market. Plus, Morocco has fewer internal conflicts, which is often a dealbreaker for major franchises.
But Mauritius? Really?
Mauritius is where things get a little random. A small island nation in the Indian Ocean, it’s not exactly the first place you’d expect McDonald’s to set up. But, upon closer inspection, it makes sense.
Mauritius has one of the highest per capita incomes in Africa and a booming tourism industry. The island’s population is small, but it’s highly diverse, with a blend of African, Indian, and European cultures. And guess what? There’s also a steady flow of tourists and expats, who, as it turns out, also like grabbing a McChicken while lounging on the beach.
In other words, while small, Mauritius is well-developed, making it an attractive target for international franchises.
Wait… No Nigeria? Kenya? Namibia?
Now, this is the real shocker. With Nigeria’s massive population and growing middle class, you’d think McDonald’s would have numerous locations there. But nope, not a single Golden Arch in sight.
Given Nigeria’s booming economy, young population, and growing urbanization, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher why McDonald’s hasn’t entered the market yet. Perhaps it’s due to complex logistics, and supply chain challenges that have kept McDonald’s at bay. KFC, however, seems to have figured it out, as it’s quite popular in Nigeria.
For a country that’s often considered one of the more developed nations in Africa, Namibia doesn’t have a McDonald’s. It’s a bit surprising, given its stability, infrastructure, and tourism appeal. Perhaps it’s simply a matter of population size—Namibia’s is relatively small, which might not justify the investment. But who knows? If Mauritius can get a McDonald’s, maybe Namibia so can Namibia
Kenya, with its relatively developed economy, booming middle class, and thriving tourism sector seems like the perfect candidate for McDonald’s. Nairobi, the capital, is a bustling metropolis, home to expats, tech hubs, and plenty of international businesses.
It’s not like other fast food chains are struggling here—KFC is doing just fine, Subway is the only one that left the country and the remaining shops rebranded to “Subz” However there is; Papa Johns, Chicken Cottage, Domino’s, Pizza Hut, Coldstone, and Burger King.
Yet, McDonald’s remains curiously absent, which is surprising given the clear demand for Western fast food in Nairobi’s urban centers. If Mauritius, with its tiny population, can support a McDonald’s, surely Nairobi—with its millions of potential customers—can too.
Bonus Fun Fact: The “Fake” McDonald’s in Libya
Libya once had a McDonald’s in Tripoli… except it wasn’t a real McDonald’s. Apparently, some entrepreneurial spirit thought it would be a good idea to open up a “McDonald’s” without bothering to get a license. The staff was reportedly hired from Egypt, where McDonald’s is legit, but the food was terrible by all accounts. Sadly (or maybe fortunately), it was shut down during the civil war, and now Tripoli is once again McDonald ‘s-free.
KFC and Burger King – More Popular in Africa
While McDonald’s has been selective, KFC has spread its wings across 24 African countries, including places like Namibia and Kenya. KFC seems to thrive in foreign markets, particularly in Asia (it’s huge in China and Japan), and Africa is no exception. Meanwhile, Burger King is also doing well, with nine African locations, again mostly in countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco, where there’s demand and infrastructure to support them.
Final Thoughts
It’s fascinating to see where McDonald’s decides to set up shop in Africa. South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco all make sense—these countries have stable economies, high incomes, and a strong tourism sector. But Mauritius? That’s the wild card. Regardless, as Africa continues to develop, maybe we’ll see more countries getting their own slice of the Golden Arches pie.
