Simbisa’s Recipe For Resilience Delivers Profitability In Difficult Markets Across Africa

Simbisa Brands, the Zimbabwe-based fast-food operator, has delivered profitability despite pervasive socio-economic and inflationary challenges within many of its key markets across Africa.

The brand, which owns and operates Chicken Inn, Baker’s Inn, Creamy Inn, Pizza Inn, and Galito’s in six countries (Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, Namibia, and Ghana), reported a 7% increase in revenues across the continent in its audited, abridged financial results for the year ended June 30, 2025, bringing its revenue up to USD 306.5 million.

Operating profit rose by 8.8% to USD 45.5 million, while profit before tax (PBT) increased by 11.3% to USD 23.4 million. Cash generated from operating activities increased by 9.7% to USD 51.3 million.

Deliveries proved their biggest winner, with delivery volumes increasing by 42% in Zimbabwe and 33% in Kenya, following post-pandemic changes in fast-food purchase behaviour. In-person purchases, however, dipped. Kenya alone reported 12% revenue growth on the back of a rise in consumer spend, despite a decline in customer counts.

Here’s what’s responsible for these results despite adverse conditions: The Group owns 604 outlets across Africa, and an additional 126 franchised stores in Swaziland, Malawi and the DRC. An ambitious expansion strategy that includes the refurbishment of some of its outlets has seen the Group open 47 new stores and close 31, resulting in a net addition of three company-owned stores.

More so, the business has optimised its offering in its more fiscally-stressed markets such as Zimbabwe, with an emphasis on value-led promotions and a conscious decision not to pass new taxes (like the country’s ‘fast food tax’) onto price-sensitive customers.

For FY 2026, the company plans to transition to 100% biodegradable packaging in Zimbabwe and Kenya, and expand the rollout of solar-powered facilities and electric vehicle (EV) delivery fleets, cutting down on fuel costs.

They also hope to add 61 more outlets and modernise 39 of them, as well as strengthen their digital channels in Kenya, hoping to raise total revenues from both digital and delivery channels in the country to 30%, up from the current 22%.

Image Courtesy: simbisabrands.com