Shoprite to exit Ghana after two decades in market

Shoprite Holdings, South Africa’s largest supermarket chain, has confirmed plans to sell its Ghanaian operations. In its trading update for the 52 weeks ending June 29, 2025, the company said it received a binding offer in June for its seven retail outlets and one distribution centre in Ghana. These assets have been classified as discontinued operations, and the sale is deemed “highly probable.”

The retailer also disclosed on June 6 that it has signed an agreement to dispose of five stores in Malawi, subject to approval by the Malawian Competition and Fair Trading Commission and the Reserve Bank of Malawi.

Shoprite began operating in Ghana in 2003. Its planned exit will conclude over two decades in the market. The company has previously withdrawn from Nigeria, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Madagascar. In its statement, Shoprite said these moves reflect a decision to refocus on its home base.

No buyer has been named. The binding offer for the Ghana assets could pave the way for a transfer, pending any necessary regulatory approvals.

Once present in about 15 African countries, Shoprite has scaled back its footprint in recent years amid challenges such as currency fluctuations, high import duties, inflationary pressures and U.S. dollar–pegged rents. The Ghana divestiture follows the pattern of exiting less central markets and consolidating operations in its primary territories.