Shopping centers have expanded rapidly across Africa in recent years, underscoring the growth of the continent's middle class and its greater economic clout. These malls are now commonplace in urban centers, featuring major retailers like South Africa's Shoprite and Game, as well as the French giant Carrefour, which dominate the burgeoning consumer landscape. High-end markets and shopping complexes are springing up across Africa.
McKinsey's research indicates that Africa's consumer spending is expected to surpass $1 trillion by 2020, a significant rise from over $800 billion in 2008, fueled by the rapid urbanization of key African cities.
For those seeking a retail therapy experience across the continent, here are some of the top markets and shopping malls in Africa to explore:
Two Rivers Mall
Two Rivers Mall, situated on Limuru Road near affluent neighborhoods such as Runda, Gigiri, Nyari, and Muthaiga, stands as East Africa’s largest shopping complex. Covering an expansive 65,000 square meters, it surpasses Garden City Mall on Thika Road to become Kenya’s second largest mall. The mall boasts a diverse array of shops, featuring renowned brands such as the French retail giant Carrefour, luxury fashion labels like Zara and LC Waikiki, jewelry brand Swarovski, prominent apparel and sneaker stores such as Nike, Adidas, and Mr. Price, and the popular indoor entertainment provider Magic Planet. Among the Kenyan brands represented are Nove Coffee Roasters and The Designer Studio.
Opened in February 2017, Two Rivers Mall was a $10 million project, partly owned by the investment company Centum.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping
The Gateway Theatre of Shopping, located in Umhlanga Rocks within South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province, stands as the largest mall in the Southern Hemisphere and on the continent, sprawling over 220,000 square meters with more than 390 stores and 70 eateries.
Opened in 2001, Gateway Theatre of Shopping offers a wide selection of South African and international fashion brands such as Mr. Price, Zara, and Forever New. The mall is renowned for its 18-cinema Ster Kinekor complex, IMAX Theatre, and diverse entertainment options including the Tony Hawk Skate Park featuring a near-vertical ramp and two concrete bowls, as well as the Wave House utilized by local surfers, body-boarders, and wake-boarders for aquatic enjoyment and skill development. Additionally, the mall accommodates The Gateway Hotel, facilitating convenient access to all amenities within the mall complex.
West Hills Mall
West Hills Mall, situated approximately 30 minutes outside of Accra's central business district in Ghana, ranks among the largest malls in West Africa. Covering 23 acres (over 93,000 square meters), it offers a diverse mix of local Ghanaian, South African, and international brands. Key anchor stores include Shoprite, Edgars, and Palace. The mall features a spacious entertainment and recreational area capable of hosting open-air concerts and theatre performances.
Opened in 2014, West Hills Mall was a $93 million project jointly developed by Delico Property Investments, Social Security, and National Insurance Trust.
Mall of Arabia
The Mall of Arabia stands as one of Egypt's largest shopping centers, situated in Cairo. Boasting more than 900 stores, it features renowned brands like Zara, Mango, and LC Waikiki, alongside a diverse selection of restaurants, coffee shops, and the hypermarket Spinny’s. A notable attraction is Egypt’s inaugural dancing fountain, which mesmerizes visitors with synchronized sound and light shows until 11 p.m. daily.
Given its size, exploring the Mall of Arabia thoroughly may require a couple of days. Fridays and Saturdays are particularly popular days for visitors to enjoy all that the mall has to offer.
Game City Mall
Game City Mall, situated in Botswana's capital city of Gaborone, holds the distinction of being the largest and busiest mall in the country. Spanning over 50,000 square meters, the mall has been serving visitors since its establishment in 2003. It features a diverse array of specialty stores, fashion outlets such as Edgars, Levi’s, and Nike, and includes a prominent department store, Game. Dining options at Game City Mall encompass popular franchises like KFC, Chicken Licken, and Nando's, ensuring a wide range of choices for shoppers and diners alike.
The aforementioned buildings, including Two Rivers Mall, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, West Hills Mall, Mall of Arabia, and Game City Mall, are distinguished by their use of alucobond cladding acp sheet as their exterior material. Each of these prominent shopping centers showcases the versatility and aesthetic appeal of this architectural choice, complementing their extensive retail offerings and diverse entertainment amenities across Africa and Egypt.