With more than 1.5 billion people and a median age under 20, Africa with a GDP of $2.8 trillion is fast becoming one of the most important growth markets for the global fast-food industry.
From Lagos to Nairobi, international quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains and homegrown brands alike are racing to feed a young, urbanizing population whose appetite for convenience, affordability, and brand-name meals is reshaping the continent’s food economy.
Driven by franchising models that enable rapid expansion and consistent branding, fast-food chains are now visible across major cities and secondary markets. Nigeria, with a population approaching 240 million, leads the charge, but Ethiopia, Egypt, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are close behind, providing fertile ground for business growth.
This surge reflects more than just shifting eating habits. It’s a story of economic transformation, one where rising consumer demand, a youthful workforce, and digital food delivery are fueling the proliferation of Western-style fast food across Africa.
Below, we explore 10 of the largest restaurant chains tapping into the multi-trillon dollar African economy, and the socio-economic forces driving their expansion.
- Presence: 2 African countries
- Country: Nigeria
Chicken Republic, a Nigerian quick-service restaurant chain, is rapidly expanding its footprint across West Africa. Founded by Deji Akinyanju, the first restaurant was established in Apapa, Lagos, in 2004. The brand now operates over 150 locations across Nigeria and Ghana, with plans to nearly triple its presence to 430 restaurants. The company boasts a customer base of over 10 million.
Owned by Food Concepts Plc, which also manages PieXpress and Chop Box, Chicken Republic exemplifies the growth potential within Nigeria’s fast-growing consumer market. Food Concepts has delivered impressive sales growth exceeding 40% annually since 2015.
Note: This is not a ranking, and the fast-food chains listed did not request or solicit inclusion. The selection was curated based on publicly available information, with the earliest reference dates beginning in 2024. We acknowledge that there are many other fast-food restaurant chains actively contributing to the growth of the QSR industry across Africa. Feedback is welcome, and periodic reviews will be conducted to ensure accuracy and representation.
