Shoprite set to close DRC operations

Shoprite a large retail firm has decided to shut its shops in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, a company statement seen by Whisper Eye on Tuesday showed. #DRC #WhisperEyeNews

The decision follows the closure of operations in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Madagascar as the group aims to focus more on its business in South Africa, Shoprite said.

“The decision to close operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo during this period is regrettable but is part of the group’s long-term strategy,” its statement dated Nov. 21 said.

South Africa’s biggest retailer by market capitalization launched in Congo in 2012 during a period of aggressive expansion push into Africa’s frontier retail markets.

Shoprite’s three shops in Congo were among its 2,800 stores across 15 countries in Africa.

The company said after the sale of its Nigerian unit last year that it was changing its model from an ownership to a franchise one after a review of its long-term options in Africa.

It said its expansion plans had been hit by currency volatility, double-digit inflation, high import duties, and dollar-based rentals.