Boosting Affordable Grocery Retail in Morocco
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is strengthening its partnership with Kazyon Group by providing a $30 million loan to support the company’s expansion in Morocco’s discount grocery sector. This investment will help Kazyon increase its retail presence, enhance warehousing and storage capacity. Additionally, it will create over 3,000 direct jobs in the country.
The expansion is part of a broader effort to improve food accessibility and safety in Morocco, aligning with IFC’s strategy to support sustainable retail development in Africa.
Expanding Access to Affordable Groceries
With the fresh funds, Kazyon plans to grow its store network and improve logistics, ensuring that low-to-middle-income consumers, especially in underserved regions, have access to affordable, high-quality groceries.
“Serving over half a million customers daily, we remain committed to expanding access to affordable groceries, supporting our communities, and fostering a thriving workplace for our employees.”
— Hassan Heikal, Founder and Executive Chairman of Kazyon
Kazyon’s expansion aims to modernize Morocco’s retail sector by introducing a more structured supply chain, increasing competition, and creating jobs across various levels of operation.
Kazyon’s Growing Presence in Morocco
Kazyon Group is one of Egypt’s largest discount grocery retailers, having been founded in 2014. It operates over 1,000 stores and five distribution centers across 22 governorates in Egypt.
Kazyon entered the Moroccan market in 2023 and has quickly expanded. In fact, it is now running more than 150 discount retail stores and a distribution center in the country. The company focuses on offering essential grocery items at competitive prices, ensuring affordability for a wider customer base.
Impact on Morocco’s Retail Sector
The expansion will:
- ✅ Increase grocery store availability in key cities and underserved areas
- ✅ Enhance logistics and warehousing capabilities for efficient operations
- ✅ Support Morocco’s goal of building a modern retail value chain
- ✅ Improve food safety and accessibility for low-income households
“Kazyon’s expansion will not only strengthen Morocco’s modern discount retail sector but also play a crucial role in making nutritious food more accessible to families.”
— Cheick-Oumar Sylla, IFC’s Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa
A Step Toward Sustainable Growth
This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to supporting the retail industry in Africa, ensuring that essential goods remain accessible and affordable for all income levels. By partnering with Kazyon, IFC is helping Morocco develop a stronger retail ecosystem, ultimately benefiting both consumers and the local economy.
With this funding, Kazyon is well-positioned to expand further, reinforce its market leadership, and contribute to Morocco’s growing retail sector.