Business Strategy

International chain Coffee Club makes its African debut in Nairobi

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

The chain, founded in Australia in 1989, plans to open 25 outlets in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda by 2035.

Coffee Club, an international coffee chain founded in Australia in 1989, is expanding into the East African market and plans to open 25 stores across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda over the next decade. 

Coffee Club has more than 400 outlets in various countries. Photo: Facebook

Its first outlet has just opened in the Lavington area of Nairobi as part of a global growth strategy targeting emerging markets. In all, 10 branches will be established in Kenya over the next five years. 

 

Coffee Club is owned by Thai-based Minor International. The East African venture involves Liwa Minor, which already operates Coffee Club outlets in the Middle East, and Dormans Coffee, a Kenyan-based roaster. The latter will source beans locally, supporting domestic roasting and strengthening Kenya’s coffee supply chain. 

 

According to The Standard newspaper, Coffee Club’s entry reflects growing efforts to build a domestic coffee culture that retains more value locally. It also signals a broader trend of international consumer brands targeting East Africa’s rising middle class and untapped agribusiness value chains. 

 

In a statement posted on social media, Liwa Minor says Nairobi is known for its energy, innovation and deep-rooted coffee heritage. 

 

Global brand standards and local insight 

 

“This milestone not only marks the beginning of The Coffee Club’s journey in East Africa, but also demonstrates the strength of our regional franchise model, powered by global brand standards and local insight,” the statement reads. 

 

“A key part of this launch is our partnership with Dormans Coffee, who now roast our signature Melbourne-crafted blends locally in Nairobi – ensuring freshness, supporting Kenyan supply chains and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and local collaboration.” 

 

Speaking at the launch event in Nairobi, Kenya’s Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary, Lee Kinyanjui, welcomed the Coffee Club’s arrival, saying it would support local value addition and job creation. 

 

Coffee Club operates over 400 stores across Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. 

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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.