United States based coffee giant, Starbucks Coffee is set to open its first branch in sub-Saharan Africa (in South Africa) next year, marking a significant moment for the African coffee market. This is a development which illuminates the extent to which global brands have taken interest in the continent’s growing middle class population.
With over 22,000 outlets across the globe, this deal with management group Taste Holdings will place the coffee chain in competition with existing local vendors. Starbucks Executive, Kris Engskov confirmed this stating that the coffee market in Africa is vibrant and growing fast. “[…] we want to be part of that growth.”
Africa might not be flooded with cafés and coffee shops, but coffee has long been a beverage of choice on the continent, here are some of the leading coffee shops which stand out.
Deluxe Coffeeworks – Gardens, Cape Town
Renowned for its impressive cappuccino art, Deluxe Coffeeworks has been rated as one of the best cafés in the world. It is the ultimate location where you can find interesting people, good music and great coffee. The best part of your experience begins with their amazingly low priced beverages. Starting from R12 a cup, it is one of the best deals for good coffee in Cape Town.
Café Neo, Nigeria
This remarkable coffee shop is situated in Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos. Ngozi Dozie and his brother Chijoke started this chain to give Lagos coffee lovers access to their favorite brews. Their decision to target mostly high end customers by situating the café on Victoria Island may give these brothers an opportunity to capture the African market, one city at a time.
Café du Livre, Marrakech
A coffee shop, restaurant and bookshop, Café du Livre reaches out to both students and literary enthusiasts as customers. It is a unique space which provides a quiet place to read while enjoying a relatively modest buzz of a traditional café. It has an exciting menu and as such makes a great stop for breakfast, during which you can also work using their free WIFI access. The mood lightens towards the end of the day with good wine served in the evening.
Tomoca Coffee shop, Ethiopia
Alongside a number of tourist attractions and medieval cities, Ethiopia also offers rich coffee. There are many cafés scattered around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city. Tomoca is one of the best of many local spots where you can find a relaxed environment to enjoy your coffee while lounging. This shop was established in 1953 and since then has continued to keep customers happy. For the tourist in Ethiopia, packaged coffee beans sold at Tomoca make good souvenirs.
Cuppa Cappuccino, Accra
Josie’s Cuppa Cappuccino located within Airport Residential, Accra is one of the best options for nice coffee and food in the city. It is a unique destination with a beautiful outdoor environment where you can enjoy nature at its best. There is something for everyone who visits the restaurant and café — from speciality coffee to fresh foods and fruit smoothies. With a mouth-watering menu and customer friendly staff, you need not worry about having a good time.
This post on Africa’s top coffee shops originally appears on Ventures Africa.