Popular South African fast-food chain, Pedros Flame Grilled Chicken (Pedros), is set to enter the Zimbabwean market with plans to open 10 outlets in Harare within its first financial year.
The move is expected to create more than 600 jobs and strengthen local supply chains.
Company executives, in the country for a five-day fact-finding mission, said Zimbabwe presented strong growth potential and a favourable investment environment.
Head of delegation and group operations executive, Bernard Muneri, said the brand was ready to establish operations in Harare before expanding to other major towns.
“We are finalising our market assessment and are confident about opening our first 10 stores in Harare. We believe the environment is conducive for business and we are bringing a strong value proposition built on quality and affordability,” said Muneri.
The company, which operates more than 210 stores across southern Africa, aims to capture a significant share of the Zimbabwean market, underpinned by its commitment to quality and professionalism.
Head of new business, Peter Erasmus, said the company believes this is the right time to enter Zimbabwe.
“We are already in active negotiations for four sites in Harare and plan to grow steadily from there,” said Erasmus. Each outlet is expected to employ about 30 people, translating to over 300 direct jobs in the first year. With further expansion, employment is projected to reach at least 600 within two years.
International Operations head, Sean Rowe, said the company will prioritise hiring local people, providing them with structured training in hospitality and restaurant management.
“Selected employees will undergo a six to eight-week intensive training programme in South Africa before operations begin, receiving certification in various roles including food preparation, cashiering, cleaning and customer service,” said Rowe.
Beyond job creation, Pedros plans to integrate fully into Zimbabwe’s economy by sourcing up to 90 percent of its supplies locally over time.
The move is expected to benefit poultry farmers supplying chicken, local bakeries producing bread and buns, as well as vegetable farmers providing fresh produce.
“Our focus is on building strong partnerships with local suppliers. We want Zimbabwean chicken farmers, bread suppliers and vegetable growers to be part of our growth story,” said Rowe.
The company also intends to establish a local distribution centre to support operations and strengthen value addition within the country.
Industry observers say the investment could provide steady demand for agricultural produce while contributing to employment, particularly for young people. Pedros’ entry comes at a time when Zimbabwe is seeking increased private sector investment to drive economic growth and reduce unemployment.
Tinashe Nekati
