East and North Africa tops investments in shopping malls



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By NJIRAINI MUCHIRA
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Africa is witnessing a rise in shopping center development, with more than doubling over the past eight years.

A report from market intelligence firm Sagaci Research shows that factors such as urbanization, population growth, increased interest in international retailers, changing consumer lifestyles and rising household incomes boosted the growth of shopping centers on the continent.

Today, there are 579 shopping malls in Africa, compared to 225 in 2010, with Egypt being the highest (106), followed by Kenya (66) and Nigeria (53).

In the 12 months to June 201, a total of 41 shopping centers were opened on the continent, with Lake Basin Mall in Kisumu, Kenya being the largest of the newcomers.

"Shopping centers used to be mostly for Africa's largest cities, but they are now proliferating in smaller urban centers," says the sixth edition of the Shopping Malls in Africa report.

He adds that this trend is becoming increasingly evident across the continent, as shopping malls strive to become places where consumers spend their free time, rather than just shop around.

Total gross leasable area (GLA) of shopping centers on the mainland reached eight million square meters, with North Africa accounting for two-fifths.

Three countries, Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria, each have a leasable area of ​​more than 500,000 square meters.

The Mall of Egypt is ranked as the leading shopping center in Africa, with five other centers all located in North Africa, also achieving an AAA rating.

In East Africa, only Two Rivers and The Karen Hub, both located in Kenya, have been ranked among the best shopping centers on the continent with an AA rating, joining 14 other shopping centers in Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria in Mauritius and Djibouti.

According to the report, the development of new shopping centers in Africa is currently concentrated in countries that already have a significant number of shopping centers, particularly in Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, Morocco and Zambia.

There are 35 shopping center projects under construction or planning in Egypt, followed by 25 in Nigeria and 13 in Kenya.

"North and West Africa have the greatest potential for shopping center development, as many countries in these regions associate relatively low GLA levels with rising consumption levels," says The report.

On the other hand, very few new developments are planned in Southern or Central Africa, Douala Grand Mall in Cameroon being the only notable exception.

Major shopping centers of Africa excluding South Africa AAA rating

  • City Stars Center Egypt
  • Mall of Arabia Egypt
  • Alexandria City Center Egypt
  • Cairo City Mall Festival
  • Mall of Egypt
  • Morocco Mall Morocco

Top AA Mall ranking outside South Africa

  • Almazar Morocco
  • Ibn Battouta Morocco
  • Borj Fez Morocco
  • Anfa Place Morocco
  • Morocco Alto Morocco
  • Green Plaza Egypt
  • Senzo Mall Egypt
  • Maadi City Center Egypt
  • Dandy Mega Egypt
  • Sun City Egypt
  • The Karen Kenya Center
  • Two rivers in Kenya
  • Palm trees – Lekki Nigeria
  • Ikeya City Nigeria
  • Bagatelle Mauritius
  • Djibouti Bawadi Djibouti
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