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: 6 African countries
- Country: South African (International reach)
Founded in Johannesburg in 1987, Nando’s has grown from a single storefront into a global fast-casual powerhouse, known for its Portuguese-style flame-grilled peri-peri chicken and vibrant branding. With over 1,200 outlets across 20 countries, the South African-born chain has cemented its place on the international culinary map.
The company, whose logo features the iconic Rooster of Barcelos, a nod to its Portuguese roots, has built a loyal following with its spicy marinades and laid-back dining experience. While Nando’s enjoys a strong presence in Western markets like the United Kingdom and Australia, its African footprint remains a key part of its identity. The chain operates in multiple African nations, including Botswana, Zambia, Mauritius, and its home base of South Africa.
Once wholly owned by South African billionaire Dick Enthoven until his death in 2022, Nando’s remains in the hands of his family
