A new map from The World in Maps shows that only Egypt, Morocco and South Africa host Starbucks outlets on the continent, highlighting how local coffee cultures have constrained the brand’s growth in Africa.

Egypt: the biggest African market

Starbucks entered Egypt in 2006 through a licensing agreement with Kuwait‑based retail giant M.H. Alshaya Group. Today, Egypt is by far Starbucks’ largest African market. According to Alshaya’s store locator, there are 67 Starbucks location s in Egypt in mid‑2025, with Cairo accounting for 56 stores, Alexandria 7 and Giza 4.

These outlets span affluent neighbourhoods, shopping malls and tourist districts. Egypt’s sizable middle class, large expatriate community and strong appetite for Western brands have helped sustain Starbucks’ presence. The company also offers delivery and loyalty programmes that cater to urban professionals.

Morocco: cautious expansion

Morocco, also operated by Alshaya, has a much smaller network: the franchise lists 15 locations across the country. Most are clustered in Casablanca (eight stores), with Marrakech, Rabat and Tangier hosting the remainder. Starbucks opened its first Moroccan outlet in 2011 and has expanded slowly, adapting its menus to local tastes by offering mint‑infused drinks and pastries inspired by Moroccan cuisine. Industry analysts say high import costs for coffee beans and competition from established local cafés have kept the U.S. chain from scaling quickly.

South Africa: early enthusiasm, then setbacks

Sub‑Saharan Africa’s only Starbucks stores are in South Africa, where the chain opened its first café in Johannesburg in 2016 through a licensing agreement with Taste Holdings. The venture initially generated excitement in South Africa’s growing middle class. However, the economy entered a recession and consumer spending slowed, forcing Taste Holdings to rethink its strategy.

In 2019, the company announced it would exit the food business and had sold its 13 Starbucks stores to a consortium for 7 million. Reuters noted at the time that Taste Holdings planned to focus on its luxury retail brands, effectively limiting Starbucks’ growth in the country. Since then, the brand has remained niche, operating fewer than 20 outlets in Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal under new franchise ownership.