• Simbisa Brands reports a 78% surge in profit after tax, reaching USD 15.8 million in H1 FY2026, up from USD 8.9 million in the same period last year
  • The company is set to open 31 new stores over the next six months as part of its expansion strategy to strengthen its market presence across key African markets
  • Zimbabwe saw 19% revenue growth, driven by a 10% increase in customer volumes, while Kenya and Eswatini also showed positive performance despite economic challenges

Harare - Simbisa Brands Limited, the quick-service restaurant (QSR) giant listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), plans to open 31 new stores over the next six months according to the short form announcement for the half year ended 31 December 2025.

The move forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its footprint and reinforce its market leadership across its key markets by the end of the current financial year.

The company’s resilience in navigating complex market dynamics demonstrates its capacity to thrive even in the face of economic pressures that have affected many businesses in the region.

For the first half of FY2026, Simbisa Brands reported a 16.1% increase in revenue, reaching USD 182.8 million, compared to USD 157.5 million in the same period of FY2025. This growth was driven by a combination of factors, including a 10% increase in customer volumes and a 6% improvement in average spend, despite the challenges posed by rising costs, taxation, and inflation.

As a result , profit after tax for the half-year period surged by 78.3%, amounting to USD 15.8 million, up from USD 8.9 million in the same period last year.

The growth in profitability highlights the effectiveness of its customer-centric strategy, alongside its efforts to mitigate external challenges through value-driven promotional activities, expanded delivery channels, and supplier engagement.

In terms of country by country market performance, Zimbabwe remained a critical market for Simbisa, contributing significantly to the company’s overall revenue growth with 10% increase in customer volumes, with 27.2 million customers served during the period. It was despite facing significant economic challenges, including the Fast Food Tax and power supply disruptions.

The company’s delivery services in Zimbabwe experienced an outstanding 74% growth year-on-year, further contributing to the increase in average spend, which rose by 9%. Between December 2024 and December 2025, the company refurbished 10 stores, opened 11 new stores, and closed 10 stores, maintaining a total of 340 active stores in Zimbabwe by the end of 2025.

In Kenya, the group faced a more challenging trading environment, marked by political unrest and subdued consumer confidence. Despite these challenges, the company still achieved a 12% increase in customer volumes. However, average spend in US dollars declined by 4%, as consumer sentiment remained cautious and value-driven promotions became more prevalent.

The Kenyan market saw an 8% increase in USD revenue, driven by strong growth in delivery orders, which surged by 60% year-on-year.

The company opened 9 new outlets in Kenya, though it also closed 5 outlets, ending the period with 259 active stores in the country. Kenya continues to be a strategic market for Simbisa, and its growth potential remains strong despite the challenges posed by ongoing political and economic instability.

In Eswatini, Simbisa experienced 23% revenue growth in US dollars, bolstered by a 12% appreciation of the Lilangeni against the US dollar. This currency strength helped moderate inflationary pressures and supported increased consumer spending. Simbisa’s customer volumes rose by 11%, and average spend improved by 11%, reflecting the success of its value-driven marketing strategies and improved customer service.

The company’s expansion in Eswatini included the opening of 2 new stores, with the full contribution of these outlets expected in the second half of FY2026.

Simbisa's franchised operations across Sub-Saharan Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, Malawi, Ghana, Mauritius, and Namibia, also saw positive results. The company added 7 new franchised counters and continued to grow its presence in key African markets. As of December 2025, Simbisa’s franchised portfolio included 130 active stores.

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