Dunkin’ and Swiss Arabian Maroc have partnered to introduce the Shaghaf vanilla toffee fragrance in Morocco. This launch features a custom perfume-shaped gift box, combining the fragrance with Dunkin’ inspired elements. The initiative aims to provide influencers with a comprehensive taste and scent experience, highlighting the innovative collaboration between the two brands in the Moroccan market.

Chowdeck has acquired Mira, enhancing its role as a tech partner for African food businesses. Mira’s platform, used by over 500 hospitality firms, aids in sales and inventory management. This move allows Chowdeck to leverage Mira’s expertise, addressing operational challenges like inventory mismanagement in Africa. Since 2021, Chowdeck has grown to 1.5 million users and expanded to Ghana.

UAE-based Chalhoub Group has opened 39 stores across the Middle East in 2025, including new outlets for Oliver Peoples and Persol in Abu Dhabi. With over 950 stores and 400 international brands, the group is expanding into luxury watches, jewellery, and eyewear. Notable openings include a Devialet store in Dubai Mall and partnerships with Jil Sander, De Beers, and Repossi.

Carlsberg has launched its new “Treat Yourself with a Holsten” campaign in Saudi Arabia. The campaign was filmed in Saudi Arabia and features social media personality Georgina Rodríguez. It taps into local culture, celebrity buzz, and the power of word-of-mouth and revolves around locals telling one another that Rodriguez always buys Holsten from a particular store every Monday. The campaign has shown on social media platforms as well as cinemas and outdoor advertising.

Dairyland, a Kenyan dairy and confectionery firm, has launched a new drinking chocolate, enhancing its product range. The chocolate, made with cocoa and milk solids, offers a smooth, sweet finish. Additionally, Dairyland introduced Kenya’s first vegan ice cream, targeting lactose-intolerant consumers and aligning with global health trends.

South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry is set to launch two online platforms on 1 July to promote local products. Shop Proudly SA targets consumers, while Market Access Platform (MAP) connects businesses. These initiatives aim to support SMMEs, enhance job creation, and reduce reliance on imports. Over 1,700 local products will be available. MAP addresses corporate demand for local goods, offering a vetted database of suppliers to aid in meeting procurement goals.

PricePally partners with Trade Lenda to offer loans to Nigerian farmers and suppliers, addressing financial barriers in agriculture. The 12-month pilot, starting June 2025, aims to enhance Nigeria’s food system by providing affordable credit. Trade Lenda’s tech-driven solutions support SMEs, while PricePally ensures participants meet eligibility criteria.

Accor has signed an agreement to open Novotel Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe by 2028, marking its market entry into the country. The 111-key hotel will be developed with Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust, offering modern amenities in a prime location. This strategic move targets growing tourism in Victoria Falls, a renowned adventure hub.

H&S Invest Retail, a branch of H&S Invest Holding in Morocco, plans to acquire 85% of Mr.Bricolage Maroc, pending approval from Conseil de la Concurrence. The acquisition involves shares from the Benjelloun family and O Capital Group. Mr.Bricolage operates 11 stores with MAD400m turnover.

Nigerian startup Sabi is pivoting to commodity exports, reducing its workforce by 20%, or 50 employees. This shift from its informal trade model aims to meet global demand for traceable commodities. Despite raising $38 million and having 300,000 merchants, scaling challenges prompted this change.

Qatar’s largest dairy producer, Baladna, plans to establish a multi-million dollar factory in Ogun State, Nigeria. This move aims to boost local dairy production amid climate change challenges affecting global food security. Despite Nigeria’s large cattle population, it imports $1.3-$1.5 billion in dairy annually.

Rwanda’s National Bank is enforcing penalties on unauthorized foreign currency use, mandating Rwandan Francs for local transactions. The law, aimed at stabilizing monetary policy and combating informal dollarization, imposes fines for violations. Exceptions exist for imports, exports, and specific businesses.

IHG Hotels & Resorts plans to open Crowne Plaza Lagos Ikeja, a 119-room hotel, in early 2028, under a franchise with Watercress Hotel International Limited. Located in Lagos’ Ikeja district, the hotel will enhance IHG’s African expansion. It offers proximity to key sites like Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Saudi Arabia has banned grocery stores from selling tobacco, dates, meat, fruit, and vegetables, effective immediately. Existing stores have up to six months to comply. These items are now restricted to supermarkets and hypermarkets, with meat sales requiring a separate license. The new regulations also set minimum floor space requirements for different types of stores, impacting the retail landscape significantly.

South Africa’s food inflation rose to 4.4% in May 2025, driven by increased meat and vegetable prices. Weather-related supply issues and a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak have tightened meat supplies, pushing prices higher. The avian influenza-induced import ban on Brazilian poultry exacerbates the situation. Despite these challenges, bread and cereal inflation remains low.

Majid Al Futtaim, a UAE retail and leisure giant, has appointed Fadel Abdulbaqi Al Ali as chairman, succeeding Sir Michael Rake. This leadership change occurs as the company, valued at $19bn, enters its fourth decade. Al Ali, with a background in corporate governance, will guide the group through its diversified ventures.

Madaar Developments has launched the Kenz project in New Sheikh Zayed, West Cairo, with a $592 million investment. Covering 200 feddans, it features 1,500 residential units and a 65-feddan park. The project includes a 5-star hotel, serviced apartments, and a retail zone. Phase 1 is set for completion in four years, aiming for EGP 6 billion in sales. Madaar plans nine hotels across its developments, with significant investments in Azha El Sokhna and Azha Ras El Hekma.

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