With many shopping malls being set up every other day in Africa, its a difficult task to sample out the best among thousands. However, the following comprises the top 10 best shopping malls in the continent basing on various factors such as annual revenues, size, strategic location etc.
1. Sea Plaza, Senega
Located in Dakar, Sea Plaza was the first high-end shopping centre of its king in West Africa. The mall opened in 2010 and boasts calming views of the Atlantic Ocean. If you like designer fashion (e.g. Hugo Boss, United Colours of Benetton), this one’s for you.
2. Mall of Africa, South Africa
Mall of Africa is South Africa’s largest shopping mall ever built in a single phase. Developed by Atterbury Property Group, the mall spans 131000 m2 of Waterfall City. Mall of Africa boasts over 300 shops. Fairly new, the mall was finished in 2016.
3. Polo Park Mall, Nigeria
Built in Enugu, Polo Park Mall has become a tourist attraction for visitors to Southern Nigeria. It also appeals to locals – its landmark giant ferris wheel and 27,000m2 retail space dears Nigerian families from across the region. Polo Park Mall’s anchor tenant is Shoprite.
4. The Junction, Kenya
The Junction Mall covers 256,000 square feet and serves Nairobi with over 100 stores. Featuring both local and international brands, the mall prides itself on variety. Shoppers can loiter into the mall’s craft market, where buyers can shop for handmade items from local vendors. Stores include Converse, Subway and Levis.
5. Arcades Shopping Mall, Zambia
Arcades Shopping Mall is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the Lusaka city centre. With 40+ stores, Arcades is relatively intimate too. It features a cinema, fast-food outlets, restaurants, cafes, a bookstore, and a large supermarket. Occasionally, the mall features musical and theatrical events.
6. Genena City Mall, Egypt
Genena City Mall is in the tourist hotspot of Sharm El Sheikh. The mall features shops, eateries, pharmacies and even a museum. The mall even contains residential chalets. Stores include Adidas, Bella Donna, and Dalydress.
7. V&A Waterfront, South Africa
The V&A Waterfront is one of the top tourist destinations in Africa. On the site of a working harbour, the V&A treats visitors to views of fishing boats and towering container ships. Inside the mall, there’s colonial-era architecture and historic sites like the Clock Tower and Maritime Museum.
8. Accra Mall, Ghana
Commissioned in 2008, Accra Mall is a shopping center in Ghana’s capital. It holds 65 shops, of which 30 percent are operated by Ghanaian retailers. Accra Mall is anchored by two South African heavyweights: Shoprite and Game Stores.
9. Manda Hill Mall, Zambia
Like Arcades Shopping Mall, Manda Hill is situated far from the Lusaka city centre. It has several local and international stores with sectors ranging from jewelry to electronics.
10. Two Rivers Mall, Kenya
Two Rivers in Kenya’s largest shopping mall. Planted on Limuru Road, Two Rivers opened in February 2017. The facility covers a total of 1.7 million.