BUSINESS STRATEGY

Africa-focused coffee shop chain hits milestone of 400 stores

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2026

Vida e caffè believes its growth highlights the increasing ability of African consumer brands to scale regionally.

Vida e caffè, the Africa-focused coffee shop chain, has reaching the milestone of 400 outlets since being founded in 2001.

Its newest store, located at The Exchange on Lower Long Street in Cape Town, is situated just a short distance from where the brand began 25 years ago by drawing inspiration from the street cafés of Portugal and adapting it to African expectations.

Since its Cape Town founding, the brand has expanded into markets including Ghana, Mauritius, Zambia, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia and Angola.

Photo: Vida e caffè

Vida e caffè believes its growth highlights the increasing ability of African consumer brands to scale regionally while maintaining a strong local identity.

Franchise-led growth in Africa

It also emphasises the growing role of franchising as a driver of entrepreneurship and job creation across the continent. Franchise-led growth has enabled brands such as Vida e caffè to expand into new markets while creating opportunities for local business owners and supporting broader supply chains.

Over the past two decades, consumer coffee culture across Africa has evolved dramatically. What was once a niche market dominated by independent cafés has developed into a sophisticated industry driven by convenience, premiumisation and changing lifestyle habits.

Comments CEO Darren Levy: “Reaching 400 stores is a proud moment for us, but what makes it truly special is recognising the people who made it possible.

“This achievement belongs to the thousands of individuals who have contributed to our success over the past 25 years, from franchise partners and store teams to suppliers, strategic partners and loyal customers.”

Vida e caffè means ‘life and coffee’ in Portuguese.

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