Shoprite Holdings, South Africa’s largest grocery retailer,, has officially announced plans to exit the Ghanaian market, signaling yet another phase in its gradual withdrawal from several African countries.
In a trading statement covering the 52-week period ending June 29, 2025, Shoprite disclosed that it received a binding offer in June for the acquisition of its assets in Ghana. These include seven trading stores and one warehouse, all of which have now been classified as “discontinued operations” in the company’s financial reporting.
“The Group received a binding offer during June 2025 to dispose of the assets and liabilities in relation to the operations in Ghana,” the company said. “The sale is deemed highly probable.”
While the identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, the binding nature of the offer suggests that a formal handover could be imminent, pending regulatory approval.
Shoprite’s exit from Ghana marks another chapter in its pan-African retreat, as the company increasingly focuses on its domestic South African market. The move follows earlier withdrawals from Nigeria, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Madagascar, citing challenges such as:
Currency volatility
High import tariffs
Inflationary pressures
Dollar-denominated rent structures
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In the same update, Shoprite also revealed it had signed an agreement on June 6 to sell five trading stores in Malawi, awaiting clearance from Malawi’s Competition and Fair Trading Commission and the Reserve Bank.
Shoprite first entered the Ghanaian market in 2003, becoming one of the most recognizable brands in the country’s modern retail landscape. Its presence was notable in major malls and city centers, where it served thousands of shoppers weekly.
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The company’s exit will not only impact customers but also raise questions about the broader challenges facing international retailers in Ghana and other African markets.
