South Africa is ahead of many other African countries when it comes to making provisions for an enabling environment where businesses can thrive and flourish. Therefore, there are plenty businesses and franchises that have been doing well in the country, and new franchisees can jump into the ship with their resources.
If you are looking for a list of new franchises coming to South Africa, your best action will be to choose any of these young companies and franchises with affordable entry fees and requirements.
List Of New Franchises Coming To South Africa
Here are some of the youngest franchising opportunities in the country right now:
1. Pret A Manger: Redefining On-the-Go Dining
One of the most buzzworthy arrivals is Pret A Manger, the UK-based fast-casual chain renowned for its organic coffee and hand-prepared sandwiches. Established in 1983, Pret operates in over 15 countries and is now making its way into South Africa’s vibrant café scene.
Key Details:
First Locations: Melrose Arch (Johannesburg) and The Zone @ Rosebank
Target Audience: Office workers, urban millennials, and health-conscious consumers
Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Fresh, preservative-free food made daily and ethical sourcing of ingredients
Pret’s entry taps into South Africa’s growing demand for quality takeaway food that balances flavor, nutrition, and ethical responsibility.
2. Ziebart: Driving Into the Car Care Market
As car ownership continues to rise across South Africa, so does the need for reliable automotive services. Ziebart, a U.S.-based brand specializing in vehicle appearance and protection, is capitalizing on this trend.
What Ziebart Brings:
Services: Rust protection, detailing, paint correction, window tinting
Global Reach: Over 400 licensed centers worldwide
South African Appeal: A culture that values vehicle aesthetics and long-term
Franchisees are drawn to Ziebart due to its low operational overhead, consistent brand support, and strong repeat-customer potential—especially in high-traffic urban and suburban areas.
3. Café Barbera: A Taste of Italy Arrives
While South Africa has no shortage of cafés and coffee bars, Café Barbera sets itself apart by blending rich Italian heritage with a sleek, modern brand aesthetic. Founded in Naples in 1870, it’s among the oldest coffee brands in Europe and is now making its debut in South Africa.
Why It Matters:
Positioning: Upscale but accessible café for casual diners and coffee connoisseurs alike
Menu: Artisanal espresso, light meals, Italian pastries
Ideal Locations: Shopping precincts, business parks, and airports
In a country where café culture is booming, Café Barbera’s blend of authentic heritage and modern ambiance adds sophisticated variety to the market.
4. Minuteman Press: Helping Small Businesses Thrive
Not all franchise entries are in food or lifestyle. Minuteman Press, originally from the U.S., is a printing and marketing services franchise ideal for supporting small- to mid-sized enterprises.
Franchise Highlights:
Services Offered: Printing, signage, direct mail, promotional materials
Business Model: Low entry cost and recurring customer base
Growth Potential: With increasing entrepreneurship in townships and metro regions, demand for affordable marketing services is surging
Minuteman Press franchisees often position themselves as B2B allies in the business community, helping startups and growing ventures craft professional branding on a budget.
Other Noteworthy Franchises Gaining Steam
While Pret A Manger and others are new international arrivals, here are a few up-and-coming or expanding local brands worth watching:
5. Nü Health Café
Focusing on superfoods, smoothies, and clean eating. It’s targeting suburban wellness enclaves and coastal towns.
6. FreshStop Car Wash
A fuel station-affiliated car wash concept that combines convenience retail with value-added services.
7. Courier Guy/Aramex PickUp Points
With the e-commerce boom, logistics service franchises are becoming increasingly viable, especially in underserved regions.
8. Bathroom Bizarre
This retail franchise, though established, continues expanding aggressively and may soon venture into neighboring African nations.
Why South Africa? An Attractive Franchise Destination
South Africa presents a compelling case for international and homegrown franchise expansion alike. With a population of over 60 million people and a young consumer base in urban centers like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, the demand for both convenience and quality is rising.
Key factors that make South Africa attractive to new franchise entrants include:
Growing middle class with expanding disposable income.
Franchise-friendly regulations, including streamlined registration and intellectual property protection.
Robust infrastructure, with established shopping malls and retail hubs across major metros.
Cultural openness to global brands, especially in food and lifestyle categories.
These factors have prompted both international and regional franchisors to view South Africa as a strategic springboard into the broader African market.
Trends Shaping South Africa’s Franchise Market
Beyond these high-profile arrivals, South Africa is seeing deeper trends reshape what franchises thrive:
(a) Health and Wellness
More consumers are leaning into health-focused products and services. This applies not only to food (e.g., juice bars, plant-based cafés) but also fitness studios, mental health coaching, and supplement shops.
(b) On-Demand and Delivery Services
Franchises that integrate well with delivery platforms or offer mobile operations—such as mobile car washes, home repair, or food prep—are seeing increased traction.
(c) Local Twists on Global Concepts
Some franchises succeed by adapting global standards to South African tastes. For instance, quick-service restaurants that offer traditional dishes like bunny chow, vetkoek, or boerewors rolls alongside their standard fare often outperform rigid international menus.
(d) Sustainability
Franchise brands that emphasize sustainability—through packaging, energy use, and ethical sourcing—are resonating particularly with Gen Z and urban consumers.
Investment Opportunities and What to Consider
Starting a franchise is a powerful way to enter the entrepreneurial space with a proven model. However, selecting the right one depends on several factors:
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
| Initial Investment | Ranges from R250,000 to over R5 million |
| Operational Involvement | Owner-run or staff-managed? |
| Location Requirements | Foot traffic, vehicle access, zoning |
| Brand Support | Training, marketing, supply chain |
| Franchise Fees & Royalties | These can eat into long-term profitability |
South Africa’s Unique Franchise Environment
Franchising in South Africa still carries unique considerations beyond profit:
BBBEE Requirements: Many franchisors now require or incentivize local black ownership participation.
Township Economies: Government policies and NGOs are working to make franchise ownership more accessible in underserved communities.
Youth Entrepreneurship: Franchisors offering affordable and low-skill-entry options are increasingly appealing to young graduates seeking self-employment.
These layers make the landscape a blend of profitability and empowerment—drawing interest from impact investors as well as commercial players.
What the Future Holds: Tech, Community, and Pan-African Growth
Looking ahead, South Africa’s franchise market is likely to be shaped by:
Technology Integration: Franchises that offer app-based ordering, loyalty programs, and contactless service will have the edge.
Community-Centered Models: Brands that build social capital in addition to commercial success will win long-term loyalty.
Pan-African Expansion: South Africa is increasingly viewed as a launchpad into SADC countries like Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia.
This means today’s new entries are not just testing the market—they’re laying the groundwork for regional dominance.
Related:
- List Of Franchise Under r100 000 In South Africa
- List Of Franchises In South Africa
- Top 20 Food Franchises In South Africa
- Top 10 Cheapest Franchises In South Africa
- Top 10 Cheapest Car Insurance in South Africa
In Conclusion
South Africa remains one of the most exciting frontiers for franchising on the continent. From international powerhouses like Pret A Manger to enterprising newcomers like Ziebart and Minuteman Press, the country is buzzing with fresh energy and investment. For entrepreneurs, now is the time to dig deep, do the research, and stake a claim in one of the most resilient and imaginative markets in the world.