In a recent survey by McKinsey Africa undertaken in 2018, they discovered 438 businesses with $1 billion of annual sales. Of this total 25% are subsidiary group companies of foreign domicile multinationals, 50% have a local origin, 40% are publicly listed, and 60% are privately owned. In this list we only provide a sample of the largest companies in Africa, with the sample ranked by size. There are more large companies based in Africa which are not listed here.
201. East African Breweries Group
The company was incorporated in 1922 by George and Charles Hurst and listed in the Nairobi Stock Exchange. The company’s headquarters is located in Kenya. The company manufactures non-alcoholic beverages, branded beer, and spirits. The Company offers various brands, which include Tusker Malt Lager, Tusker Lite, Guinness, Pilsner, White Cap Lager, Allsopps Lager, Balozi Lager, Senator Lager. The Company exports to Rwanda, Burundi and the great lakes region. The Company’s subsidiaries include Kenya Breweries Limited, Uganda Breweries Limited, East African Breweries (Mauritius) Limited. The company’s annual turnover is KES61.3 billion (2014 estimate) and also had 1653 employees during the accounting year which ended in 2014.
202. Nigerian Bottling Company
Nigerian Bottling Company Plc markets non-alcoholic drinks in Nigeria. The company was established in 1951 and has its headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria. The products from the company are carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, fruit drinks and juices, bottled water, and energy drinks. It also bottles various brand name products, including Sprite, Schweppes, Eva Water, and Five Alive, Coca-Cola, Fanta. The company is a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. The company has a yearly turnover of NGN86billion (2018 estimate).
203. Renault Retail Maroc
Renault Maroc SA manufactures and markets automobiles. The company began operation in 1928 and its head office is based in Casablanca, Morocco. Renault Maroc SA operates as a subsidiary of Renault Société Anonym. The annual turnover of the worldwide group is €58.770 billion (based on 2017 performance levels).
204. Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations Gestion
Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations Gestion focusses on the management of long term savings in Morocco. The company was incorporated in 1959 and it is state-owned. It has total equity of MAD15.03 billion. Given its substantial assets it also acts as a large investor in the country, especially in the tourism sector. It owns many subsidiaries operating in various sectors of the Economy.
205. Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière
The SNIM (Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière) of Mauritania is one of the world’s leading exporter of iron ore. The company extracts approximately 12 million tons of iron per year, and has sold over 400 million tons since 1963. The company employs 4,500 people and accounts for 15% of Mauritania’s GDP. Through its subsidiaries, it is also present in other economic sectors such as tourism, construction, casting, etc. SNIM came into existence in 1974 and it is located in Nouadhibou, Mauritania. The company’s annual turnover is US$603 million (2018 estimate).
206. Oceana Group
Oceana Group Limited operates as a fishing company. It engages in the catching, procuring, processing, marketing, and distribution of canned fish, fishmeal, fish oil, horse mackerel, hake, lobster, and squid; and midwater trawling, deep-sea trawling, and inshore fishing for pelagic fish. The company also provides refrigerated warehouse facilities and logistical support services. Oceana Group Limited offers its products to individuals, retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, food producers, and feed manufacturers in Africa, Asia, Europe, the United States, and Australia. The company was incorporated in 1918 and its headquarters is situated in Cape Town, South Africa. During the accounting year which ended in 2018, the company had 2,000 employees and recorded revenue of ZAR7.73billion.
207. Soc. Nat. de Distribution des Pétroles AGIL
Soc. Nat. de Distribution des Pétroles AGIL markets oil products. It operates service stations, airport and harbor depots that offer fuels, domestic, industrial gases, LPG fuels, lubricants and greases. The company also provides white spirit. Its head office is based in Tunis, Tunisia. Its turnover of 1.193 billion dinars in 2016 places it among the leading Tunisian companies.
208. Catoca Sociedade Mineira
Catoca Sociedade Mineira explores, exploits, recovers, and commercializes diamonds in Angola. The company came into existence in 1992 and has its head office located in Luanda, Angola. The company extracts more than 75% of gold in Angola and in 2018, the company recorded revenue of US$593million.
209. Nestlé Nigeria
Nestlé Nigeria Plc manufactures and markets foods in Nigeria. The operation of this company is centered upon two segments which are Food and Beverages. The company offers baby foods under the Cerelac, Nutrend, Nan, and Lactogen brands; beverage drinks under the Milo and Chocomilo brands; coffee products under the Nescafé brand; culinary products under the Maggi and Nestle Pure Life; and dairy products under the Golden Morn and Nido brands. It also provides purified water. The company’s products are found in other African countries. The company was founded in 1961 and is based in Lagos, Nigeria. Nestlé Nigeria Plc is a subsidiary of Nestlé S.A. The company recorded a turnover of NGN266.27billion during the accounting year which ended in 2018 and presently has 2187 employees.
210. Rainbow Chicken
Rainbow Chicken operates in the Southern and East African food sector through its subsidiaries. It has a presence in Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Uganda, and Zambia. The company’s Consumer segment offers a range of chicken products under the Rainbow, Simply Chicken, and Farmer Brown brands. The company’s Logistics segment engages in the supply chain, sales and merchandising, warehousing and distribution, principal secondary distribution, customer secondary distribution, and primary transportation activities, as well as provision of bulk cold storage facilities. The company was incorporated in 1960. The company’s annual turnover is ZAR12.9billion (2015 estimate).
211. Innscor Africa
Innscor Africa Limited is a Zimbabwe-based company. The principal activities of the Company include the manufacturing of fast moving and durable consumer goods. The company is involved in the milling of flour and maize; sale of other general household products; production, processing, and marketing of pork, beef, and related food products; production of chicken and table eggs; and manufacture and retail of household goods and appliances, stock feeds, and day old chicks. Innscor Africa Limited began operation in 1987, has its head office in Harare, Zimbabwe, and a workforce of 7566 employees. The company’s annual turnover is US$489.9million (2018 estimate).
212. Pharmacie Centrale de Tunisie
Pharmacie Centrale de Tunisie PCT is a Tunisian publicly listed company. The company focusses on the importation and marketing of pharmaceutical products. The company was established in 1961 and presently has 200 employees. The company’s annual turnover is US$584 million (2018 estimate).
213. Compagnie Minière de l’Ogooué (Comilog)
Compagnie Minière de l’Ogooué mills and processes manganese mining products. The company produces ferromanganese for the steel industry and manganese-based chemicals. Compagnie Minière de l’Ogooué was founded in 1953 and is based in Moanda, Gabon. The company operates as a subsidiary of Eramet SA. The company’s annual turnover is US$579 million (2018 estimate).
214. RMA (also called RMA Watanya)
RMA Watanya, SA, offers insurance policies covering life, property, automobile, accident, liability, and risk insurance services. It also provides retirement and savings plans for its clients. Also, the company offers consulting services to individuals and corporate clients. RMA Watanya SA was formerly known as Royale Marocaine d’Assurances SA before it changed its name to RMA Watanya SA in 2005. The company was founded in 1956 and is based in Casablanca, Morocco. RMA Watanya SA operates as a subsidiary of Finance.Com Sa. The company reported turnover of MAD5,860 during the accounting year which ended in 2016.
215. Johannesburg Water
Johannesburg Water (Pty) Ltd came into existence in 2000. The company focusses on the planning, protection, regulation, and conservation of air and water resources, as well as solid waste management. It is owned by the City of Johannesburg. It has a yearly turnover of R8.3billion. It employs ±2 500 people, and its founding mission is the provision of water and sanitation services to approximately 5.3 million people.
216. Axian Group
Axian Group, through its subsidiaries, operates in the energy, telecommunication, financial services, and real estate sectors. The company began operation in 2015 and its head office is located in Antananarivo, Madagascar. It has annual revenue of US$515 million (2015 estimate).
217. RMB Holdings
The business operations and geographic span of RMB Holdings Limited consist of retail and commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, installment finance, and investment management businesses in South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Europe. It is also involved in the property investment business comprising building and managing office, retail, and industrial properties; urban renewal business; and mezzanine debt and equity funding business. The company began operation in 1987 and its headquarters is located in Sandton, South Africa. RMB Holdings Limited has financial year end at 30 June. It announced consolidated financial revenues of R26 million and total investment net income ZAR8.8 billion for the year ended 30 June 2018.
218. Dangote Sugar Refinery
Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc manufactures and sells refined sugar to consumers and industrial markets in Nigeria. The company offers vitamin A-fortified sugar to distributors; and non-fortified industrial sugar to pharmaceuticals, food, and beverage and other manufacturing companies. During the accounting year which ended in 2018, the company recorded revenue of NGN150.37billion and presently has 2400 employees. Aliko Dangote founded the company in 2005 and it has its head office in Lagos, Nigeria. Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc is a subsidiary of Dangote Industries Limited.
219. South African Broadcasting Corporation
South African Broadcasting Corporation Limited was founded in 1936 by the South African government. The company provides broadcasting services and also offers television programming, sports channels, radio, news, education, television licenses, podcasting, and social media services. South African Broadcasting serves customers throughout South Africa. The company’s annual turnover is ZAR6.6 billion (2017/18 FY).
220. Inwi
Inwi offers broadband Internet access, data communications, and business solutions on virtual private networks based on IP Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) technology. The company has a strategic partnership agreement with ONE (the National Electricity Board). It offers its products through distributors to the residential market, and through direct sales to the business market. The company was formerly known as Maroc Connect before it changed its name to Wana Corporate SA in February 2007. The company was founded by Karim Zaz in 1999 and is based in Casablanca, Morocco. Wana Corporate SA is a former subsidiary of Orange. The company’s annual turnover is $468.7 million.
221. Total Côte d’Ivoire
Total Côte d’Ivoire distributes petrochemical products. The company provides primarily gasoline, diesel, lubricants, and liquefied petroleum gas. At the end of 2017, the group operated a network of about 170 service stations in Ivory Coast. The company’s annual turnover is $541 million.
222. Société Nationale d’Électricité
Societe Nationale D Electricite was founded in 1970 to operate the Inga Dam on the Congo River and the state-owned thermal power plants of the Demcratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is state-owned. The Company’s line of business includes the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric energy.
223. SA des Brasseries du Cameroun
SA des Brasseries du Cameroun headquarters is located in Cameroon. The company produces and markets beverages. It also produces beer, carbonated drinks, and mineral water. The company presently has 229 employees and yearly turnover of US$556.94M (2014 estimate).
224. Orange Maroc (formerly Médi Télécom)
Medi Telecom operates in the telecommunication sector in Morocco. The company was incorporated in 2000 and has its headquarters in Casablanca, Morocco. Orange Maroc is a multi-service operator offering consumer and business solutions using different technologies. The company has been ranked the 12th largest company in Morocco and employs close to 1,000 people directly and more than 12,000 indirectly. The company’s annual turnover is MAD5.3 billion (2016 estimate).
225. Orange Mali
Orange Mali is a telecommunications company that offers mobile, fixed line, and Internet services through wholesalers, semi-wholesalers, and retailers in Mali. The company was founded as Ikatel in 2003 and changed its name to Orange Mali SA in November 2006. The company is based in Bamako, Mali and operates as a subsidiary of Sonatel SA.
226. Air Mauritius
Air Mauritius Limited with its subsidiaries provides international and domestic scheduled air services for the carriage of passengers, freight, and mail. The company provides third-party handling services such as passengers, baggage, ramp, cargo, and transit cleaning services; and other ancillary services. It serves approximately 25 destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe. The company operates a fleet of 15 fixed-wing aircraft and 2 helicopters. It also operates a hotel in Rodrigues, Mauritius. It owns, operates, and leases offices, commercial properties, and provides call center and human resource services, as well as offers aerial tours for sight-seeing. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Port Louis, Mauritius. The company’s annual turnover is 509.6 million EUR (2018 estimate).
227. Société des Mines de Loulo
Société des Mines de Loulo SA owns and operates a gold mine. The company is headquartered in Bamako, Mali. Société des Mines de Loulo SA is 80% owned by Barrick Gold Corporation and 20% owned by the Government of Mali. Société des Mines de Loulo SA (Loulo) owns the Loulo gold mine. The company’s annual turnover is US$406 million (2015 estimate).
228. MTN Côte d’Ivoire
MTN Cote d’Ivoire offers wireless services in the Ivory Coast. The company offers a global system for mobile communication services and prepaid card services. MTN Cote d’Ivoire was formerly known as Loteny Telecom SA before it changed its name to MTN Cote d’Ivoire SA in October 2005. The company was founded in 1996 and is based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. As of June 22, 2005, MTN Cote d’Ivoire operates as a subsidiary of MTN Group Limited. The ultimate owner of MTN Cote d’Ivoire, MTN Group, has global annual revenue of US$15 billion (2015 estimate).
229. Biopharm
Biopharm imports, manufactures and distributes generic drugs. The company offers anti-inflammatory, antalgic, cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, neuropsychiatry, pneumo allergology, rheumatology, and anti-infective drugs. It offers liquids, creams, gels, tablets, and powders. Biopharm spa was founded in 1991 and is based in Alger, Algeria. The company’s annual turnover is US$ 228 million revenue (2017 estimate).
230. Soc. Marocaine de Constructions Automobiles
Société Marocaine de Construction Automobile SA produces and assembles passenger cars and light trucks. The company was founded in 1959 and is based in Casablanca, Morocco. As of April 27, 2005, Société Marocaine de Construction Automobile operates as a subsidiary of Renault SA. The company’s annual turnover is MAD 3.1 billion (2016 estimate).
231. Auto Hall
Auto Hall markets and distributes various branded products such as Fuso, Ford, Mitsubishi Motors, Fiat, New Holland, Case, and Cummins. It offers industrial vehicles, trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, and light vehicles, as well as industrial equipment. The company also provides support services, maintenance, and repair services, financing solutions, and after-sales services. It also operates spare parts stores. The company primarily serves various individuals and professionals. Auto Hall was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in Casablanca, Morocco. Auto Hall operates as a subsidiary of Societe Amana. The company earns MAD4.1billion (2018 estimate) revenue annually. During the accounting year which ended in 2018, the company had 910 employees.
232. Ciel Group
CIEL Limited, through its subsidiaries engages in the textile, agro and property, hotels and resorts, financial service, and healthcare businesses in Mauritius, Madagascar, Asia, Maldives, South Africa, and internationally. The company’s textile segment is involved in the manufacture and sale of knitwear, woven, and fine knits products. Its Agro & Property segment produces and sells sugar; develops land and properties; and owns and operates three bagasse-coal power plants. The company began operation in 1912 and has its head office located in Ebene, Mauritius. There are currently 35,000 employees in the company.
233. Metropolitan Life
Metropolitan Life engages in long and short-term insurance, asset management, savings, investment, and employee benefits through its various brands. The Group has subsidiaries in Botswana, Ghana, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, UK, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zambia. The company’s annual turnover is ZAR 28.1 billion (2014 estimate).
234. Essakane Gold Mine
Essakane Gold Mine owns and operates gold mines. The company engages in mining and processing of gold from the Eskane project which is located in north-eastern Burkina Faso, West Africa. The company was founded in 2008 and is based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
235. Pétrole du Maghreb
Pétrole du Maghreb imports and distributes petroleum products and chemicals. The company also distributes Butane, Propane, and Lubricants. It has its headquarters in Morocco. The company’s annual turnover is US$484 million (2018 estimate).
236. Eneo Cameroon
ENEO owns and operates over 900MW of generation capacity and distributes electricity to more than 900,000 customers in Cameroon. It is owned by the US group AES Corporation, a major international electricity player, and the Government of Cameroon. ENEO Cameroon serves 528,000 subscribers and sells 3,300 GWH of electricity every year. The capacity of its generation facilities stands at 900 MW, 75% of which is hydropower. ENEO Cameroon is one of the a limited number of power distribution, transmission and generation concessions in Africa. The company was founded in 2001 and has yearly revenue of CFA4.3 billion (2017 estimate).
237. Société Tunisienne de l’Air
Société Tunisienne de l’Air or Tunisair is the flag carrier airline of Tunisia. It was formed in 1948 and it operates scheduled international services to four continents. Its main base is Tunis-Carthage International Airport. The airline’s head office is in Tunis, near Tunis Airport. Tunisair is a member of the Arab Air Carriers Organization. Tunisair has a fleet of 29 planes and covers 101 destinaitons. The company’s annual turnover is TND1.2 billion (2017 estimate). TND standards for Tunisian Dinar.
238. Delta Corporation
Delta Corporation Limited manufactures and distributes cold beverages in Zimbabwe. The company operates through Lager Beer, Sparkling Beverages, and Sorghum Beer segments. It provides lager beers under the Castle Lager, Castle Lite, Golden Pilsener, Lion Lager, Carling Black Label, Zambezi Lager, Bohlinger’s Lager, and Eagle Lager brands, as well as imported brands, such as Castle 1895 Draught, Castle Milk Stout, Carling Blue Label, Redds, and Flying Fish; and sorghum beers under the Chibuku, Chibuku Super, and Thabani brands. The company was formerly known as Rhodesia Breweries Limited before it changed its name to Delta Corporation Limited in 1978. Delta Corporation Limited was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Harare, Zimbabwe. The company has 4,800 employees and its annual revenue is US$572 million (2018 estimate).
239. Forte Oil
Forte Oil Plc is an integrated energy company. It markets petroleum products in Nigeria and Ghana. It operates through four segments: Fuels, Upstream Services, Lubricants and Greases, and Power Generation. In addition, it operates approximately 450 retail outlets. Forte Oil Plc serves industrial, aviation, and marine sectors. The company was formerly known as African Petroleum Plc before it changed its name to Forte Oil Plc in December 2010. Forte Oil Plc was incorporated in 1964 as “British Petroleum Nigeria Limited” and is headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. The company’s annual turnover is NGN96.8 billion (based on the last twelve months to the third quarter of 2017).
240. Redefine Properties
The company was formerly known as Kalpafon Limited before it changed its name to Redefine Properties International Limited in July 2010. The company was incorporated in 2010 and is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Redefine Properties International Limited is a subsidiary of Redefine Properties Limited. The company’s annual turnover is ZAR8.44billion (2018 estimate). The company presently has 245 employees.
241. Sudatel Telecom Group
Sudatel Telecom Group Limited provides installation, maintenance, and operation of telecommunication services. The Company offers wireless, fixed line, broadband, hosting, fiber optics connectivity, and cloud services. Sudatel Telecom Group serves clients in Sudan and Africa. The company’s annual turnover is US$325.7M (2018 estimate).
242. Total Sénégal
Total Sénégal imports, markets, stores, and distributes petroleum products for individuals, industrial customers and companies in Senegal. It trades in hydrocarbons and their derivatives in various forms, as well as fuels, aviation fuels, liquefied petroleum gas, engine lubricants, and gas cylinders; and insecticides and solar lights. The company was formerly known as Total Elf Sénégal before it changed its name to Total Sénégal S.A. in 2003. Total Sénégal was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. Total Senegal S.A. is a subsidiary of TOTAL S.A. The company’s annual turnover is US$472M (2018 estimate).
243. OK Zimbabwe
OK Zimbabwe Limited together with its subsidiaries operates as a supermarket retailer in Zimbabwe. It offers groceries in various categories: such as dry groceries, butchery, delicatessens, takeaway, bakery, provisions, and fruit and vegetable sections; basic clothing and textiles; and houseware products. The company operates 62 stores primarily under the OK stores, Bon Marche’ stores, and OKmart brands. It also leases property and owns a houseboat. The company was formerly known as Deltrade Limited before it changed its name to OK Zimbabwe Limited in July 2001. OK Zimbabwe Limited was founded in 1942 and is based in Harare, Zimbabwe. The company’s annual turnover is US$582 million (2018 estimate).
244. Zimplats Holdings
Zimplats Holdings Limited together with its subsidiaries engages in the production of the platinum group and associated metals from the Great Dyke in Zimbabwe. It primarily produces platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, and ruthenium, as well as nickel, gold, copper, cobalt, and silver. The company is based in St Peter Port, the Channel Islands. Zimplats Holdings Limited is a subsidiary of Impala Platinum BV. The company has 3,198 employees. The company’s annual turnover is US$184m (2018 estimate).
245. Tunisie Telecom
Tunisie Telecom provides telecommunication services in Tunisia. The company offers fixed, mobile, and satellite telephony services; and leased lines, Internet service provider services, data, and more. It also provides ADSL services to its residential and business subscribers. In addition, it manages Internet access for telecommunications agencies. Tunisie Telecom was founded in 1995 and is based in Tunis, Tunisia. The company’s annual turnover is US$1.4B (2018 estimate).
246. North Mara Gold Mine
North Mara is a combined open pit and underground mining operation owned by Acacia Mining (formerly known as African Barrick Gold). The company is located in Tanzania and has a yearly revenue of US$468million (2018 estimate).
247. Tanzania Breweries
Tanzania Breweries Limited produces, distributes, and sells malt beer, non-alcoholic malt beverages, and alcoholic fruit beverages in Tanzania. The company operates in two divisions, Beer, and Wines and Spirits. It primarily owns liquor brands, including Safari Lager; Kilimanjaro Premium Lager; Ndovu Special Malt; and Konyagi. The company also produces malt. In addition, it produces and distributes Castle Lager, Castle Milk Stout, Castle Lite, Peroni, and Redds Premium Cold under license from SABMiller International BV; and distributes various other international brands of wines and spirits under license from Distell (Pty) Limited of South Africa. The company is based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The company has 2200 employees on its payroll. The company’s annual turnover is 892 billion TZS (2013 estimate).
248. Holding Al Omrane
Holding Al Omrane was incorporated in 1984. Al Omrane engages in the development of urban areas earmarked for social housing construction in Morocco. The company provides the infrastructure of new or reconstructed urban areas to relocate slum dwellers or illegal settlers. Holding d’Amenagement Al Omrane is based in Rabat, Morocco. The company’s annual turnover is US$109million (2018 estimate). The company currently has 1235 employees.
249. CTP Holdings
CTP Holdings of South Africa provides publishing and printing services. The Company offers packaging, labels, ink and cartridges, advertising, and digital printing services. CTP operates in South Africa. The company’s annual turnover is US$464million (2018 estimate).
250. Northam Platinum
Northam Platinum Limited engages in mining, refining, marketing, and selling platinum group metals and its by-products in South Africa, Europe, Japan, Asia, North America, and Australia. It explores for platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, iridium, ruthenium, silver, nickel, copper, cobalt, and chrome deposits. Northam Platinum Limited was incorporated in 1977 and is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. During the accounting year which ended in 2018, the company had 1386 employees and recorded turnover of R9.18billion.