BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– For many emaSwati, a KFC meal is a familiar treat. Behind every meal served, however, is a growing business that is creating jobs, supporting local industries and strengthening Eswatini’s position in the regional economy.
Those were the sentiments shared by African Alliance Group Partner S’thofeni “Stofen” Ginindza during the official opening of KFC Eswatini’s 15th branch at Woodlands on Friday, July 10, 2026, where he revealed that the fast-food chain now employs approximately 600 people across the Kingdom.
Ginindza said the opening of the Woodlands outlet represents more than the expansion of a global restaurant brand. It reflects African Alliance Group’s long-term confidence in Eswatini and its commitment to creating employment opportunities while bringing quality services closer to communities.
“You may not probably be aware, this is our 15th KFC store. There’s one currently being finalised and built in Manzini, Courts Valley, which should be ready in the next 30 days,” he said.
He noted that while individual restaurants may appear relatively small compared to larger retail developments, their contribution to the country’s economy is substantial.
“KFC alone employs about 600 people now, and I believe that is big enough. We are very glad about these developments, and we are going to build more,” Ginindza said.
He explained that the company’s expansion strategy is guided by a vision of making KFC more accessible by establishing outlets beyond traditional central business districts.
Instead of concentrating restaurants in major towns, the company has expanded into communities such as Siteki, Siphofaneni and now Woodlands, allowing customers to enjoy the same services closer to where they live.
“We are spreading our wings outside the towns. We are trying to reach people who live outside the city centres so they can enjoy the same convenience closer to home,” he said.
Ginindza said the strategy complements the government’s vision of developing communities where residents can conveniently access essential services, shopping and dining facilities without travelling long distances.
Beyond Eswatini’s borders, Ginindza highlighted the group’s growing regional footprint, revealing that African Alliance Group owns approximately 60 KFC restaurants in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
He said this regional presence has created valuable opportunities for Eswatini businesses by strengthening local supply chains.
Through its partial ownership of Woza Chickens, Ginindza explained, poultry produced in Eswatini supplies both local KFC outlets and operations beyond the country’s borders.
“The multiplier effect is significant. Chickens produced here in Eswatini are supplying KFC restaurants and retail markets beyond our borders. We have a very huge footprint,” he said.
He said the regional expansion demonstrates that businesses rooted in Eswatini can successfully compete beyond the Kingdom while creating opportunities for local producers, transporters, suppliers and employees.
Ginindza added that African Alliance Group remains committed to expanding its investments, creating more employment opportunities and supporting inclusive economic growth.
As construction of the new Manzini branch nears completion, KFC Eswatini’s continued expansion signals growing investor confidence in the Kingdom’s economy while reinforcing the important role of the private sector in driving employment, strengthening local value chains and bringing world-class services closer to emaSwati communities.
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