BUSINESS STRATEGY

US pizza chain Papa John’s makes first foray into Central Africa

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

Brand debuts in the DRC with an outlet in Kinshasa, complementing its existing African presence in Kenya, Egypt and Morocco.

Papa John’s, the US-based pizza chain which claims to be the third-largest in the world, has launched its first outlet in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

 

It is located on Avenue De La Gombe in the capital city of Kinshasa and is the first Papa John’s outlet in the Central Africa region.  

 

Globally, the chain has more than 6,000 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories. However, it has a relatively small presence in Africa and currently only has a footprint in Egypt, Morocco and Kenya. 

 

According to Trendtype, the emerging markets consultancy, Papa John’s has partnered in the DRC with franchisee Cen 21, which is also the franchise partner for frozen yoghurt brand Pinkberry, as well as French bakery and sandwich chain Le Pain Quotidien.  

Action at the Papa John’s opening in Kinshasa. Photo: Papa John’s

Papa John’s made its first foray into sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, when it opened an outlet in Nairobi and said it would launch 13 outlets in Kenya by the end of 2024. Its website shows six Kenyan outlets currently. 

 

Uganda has also been on the brand’s African agenda 

 

At the time it moved into Kenya, the brand intimated that it would use its Kenyan presence as a springboard into other SSA markets, including Uganda.  

 

 “The fast-food sub-category in Kenya has seen many deals between food chains and fuel marketers, who are increasingly seeking to attract small consumer-focused businesses to their properties, a model that is meant to bring them rental income besides boosting fuel sales,” the news website Food Business Africa reported at the time. 

 

“By setting up in Kenya, Papa John’s, which has seen rapid growth in international markets in recent years, will be taking on rival international brands that have already opened in Kenya – like Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) and Burger King.” 

 

Papa John’s was established in 1984. By global store count, it is outranked only by Domino’s and Pizza Hut. 

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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.