Majid Al Futtaim held the official opening ceremony for the flagship Carrefour Store in Uganda on Tuesday, marking the company’s entry into the Sub-Saharan African country.
Presiding over the official ceremony, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde, Uganda’s Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives stated that the country’s growing population, coupled with a vibrant economy will support Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to Uganda. “The entry of a global retail brand like Carrefour goes a long way in ensuring that the expanding community is catered to. With rapid urbanization, there is an increased demand for superior and high-quality products offered at great value, and we are very confident that in Majid Al Futtaim, we have the right partner,” she said.
Hani Weiss, Chief Executive Officer of Majid Al Futtaim – Retail explained that Carrefour’s first launch in Uganda is an integral part in the retailer’s long-term ambition of strengthening its presence in the East African region. “We are committed to operating in Uganda for the long term and are happy for the opportunity to contribute to further developing the retail sector to the benefit of the community. Carrefour is here to modernize the grocery retail sector by bringing international best practices, and delivering the best value products to our customers, as we work to realize our vision of creating great moments for everyone everyday”.
Located at the Oasis Mall, the store covers 2,800 square meters of premium retail space. It stocks up to 20,000 products, a mix of international and local brands, all certified by relevant government agencies. Majid Al Futtaim’s foray into the new East African market has seen the creation of employment opportunities for 130 Ugandans. The company has also engaged 260 local suppliers to provide stock.
The entry of Carrefour comes at an opportune time, following the decline and collapse of Kenyan retail chains Uchumi and Nakumatt in recent years. The two had long enjoyed a monopoly in the retail business in Uganda in their heyday. Carrefour is now set to compete with South African retail chain, Shoprite, which currently operates 5 supermarkets in the country.
Founded in 1992, the UAE company Majid Al Futtaim, owns the franchise rights to operate the Carrefour brand in over 30 countries across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. It currently operates over 300 stores in 16 countries across that network.