
Africa’s economic reset requires moving from ambition to execution
The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.
RETAIL STRATEGY
By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025
Danish-based brand opens two stores in Casablanca as it launches its long-planned Africa strategy. Another store will open later this year.
JYSK, the Danish-based home furnishing retailer, has opened its first two stores in Casablanca, Morocco. The opening not only establishes JYSK’s presence in Africa but also marks a significant milestone as the company expands into its 50th country.
JYSK Country Director, Igor Raić, talks to the Moroccan media
The two new stores are located in Viva Park and Aeria Mall. Another store is already planned for later this year, as JYSK continues to expand in the region.
“Expanding into Africa has been a long-term goal for JYSK, and today we are proud to make it a reality with our first stores in Casablanca,” said Rami Jensen, President & CEO at JYSK, during a launch event for local media and dignitaries.
“I look forward to seeing how JYSK grows in this exciting new market, and I am confident our great Scandinavian offers will resonate well with Moroccan customers.”
The brand’s first store opened in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1979 and since then it has grown to more than 31,000 employees and 3,500 stores.
Opening new stores in a new market
“It is always special to open new stores and even more special when it happens in new markets and on a new continent – as today,” added Jensen.
“Our expansion into Morocco is a confirmation of JYSK’s business model, which continues to be a success across all our markets.
“Just [three] weeks ago, we opened our first store in South America through our franchise setup, and now we are making our debut in Africa. JYSK is no stranger to expansion, but entering two new continents within a year is a remarkable milestone that opens even more opportunities for growth.”
In addition to the two physical stores, customers in Morocco can also shop online at a dark store (small warehouse).

The Africa Commerce Convergence Summit keynote address identified four elements that must converge if the continent is to achieve a meaningful economic reset.

Vongani Mageza brings more than 20 years’ experience across financial services and FMCG) companies such as FNB and Diageo.

AI agents will influence shopping, algorithms will supersede social connections, and the clip economy will change how brands connect.

The brand partnership includes a new TV commercial featuring Kipchoge, digital storytelling, wellness initiatives and community programmes.

Modern retail in Africa is still dwarfed by the traditional trade. Marketers who dismiss this relationship-heavy retail model do so at their peril.

Research finds brands don’t just sell products. They can also provide employees with stories through which they feel their work is meaningful

Honesty must be demonstrated through transparency, accountability and action – shaping both reputation and future trust following a crisis.

In the funeral plan category, where most advertisements look like an obituary, Standard Lesotho Bank opted to ‘sell the cow’, not the policy.

Strategic Marketing for Africa, the publication for deep-thinking African marketing professionals, is not to be missed.

CEO of Scopen says the expansion into East Africa is a natural progression following the success of the research in South Africa.

Report says around 80% of Africa’s annual goods export potential to the Caribbean remains untapped.