International Fast-Food Giant Which Is The Biggest In South Africa Wants To Roll Out 100 More Restaurants In One Year.

KFC plans to open 100 more locations in South Africa over the next year, cementing its place as the biggest fast-food chain in the country.

With over 1,200 locations in the country, South Africa is currently KFC’s fifth-largest market in the world.

The fast-food giant has a long history in South Africa, having first introduced its 11 secret herbs and spices to the country in 1971.

The brand quickly took off, though its growth was halted in 1987 when a US law forced the company to divest its outlets and trademarks to a South African holding company called Devco.

This law was passed by the US Congress and forbade American companies from owning South African assets due to local Apartheid policies.

At the dawn of democracy in South Africa, in 1994, KFC reacquired its South African assets, which had since grown to 300 outlets.

The brand continued its rapid growth in the years to follow and now boasts over 1,200 locations in South Africa.

Now, KFC is set to cement its position as the largest fast-food chain in the country, with the brand planning to roll out 100 more locations in 2026 alone.

The company said this rollout, called The Next 100 SA initiative, will deliver hundreds of millions of rands in infrastructure investment, thousands of new jobs, and economic activation in communities ranging from metros to townships.

According to KFC, each new restaurant it adds to its footprint creates an average of 35 direct new jobs and supports around 100 more through the supply chain.

“Building on a campaign last year that attracted 1,700 site submissions, The Next 100 SA is calling on property professionals, developers and municipalities to partner in identifying viable locations,” the brand said.

KFC is offering a R60,000 finder’s fee for successful recommendations from members of the public.

“We opened 100 new restaurants across Africa in 2025, and our appetite for growth in South Africa has never been stronger,” KFC Africa general manager Akhona Qengqe said.

“This is a deliberate, strategic expansion based on sustained demand and our belief in this country’s future.”

KFC in South Africa

KFC Africa general manager Akhona Qengqe

Source: Daily Investor – www.dailyinvestor.com