- 12/06/2025
- Posted by: flore.demaigret
- Categories: Articles, Foodservice, SagaBrand
Recent consumer data reveals the most popular fast foods in Africa. According to SagaCube, the pan-African consumption tracker, fried chicken tops the list as the most consumed fast food across the continent, ahead of pizza and burger.
Fried chicken: the most popular fast food in Africa
Fried chicken stands out as the dominant fast food choice in Africa, with 35% of SagaPoll online panel members naming it as their favourite. Its popularity is especially strong in West, Central, and East Africa. In comparison, pizza ranks second at 25%, followed by burgers (15%), and pasta (12%).
The African fast food market is largely dominated by popular fried chicken brands like KFC. KFC, one of the world’s most recognized fast food brands, is owned by Yum! Brands, the American group behind Pizza Hut. Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1930, KFC was among the first fast-food chains to expand internationally. Today, it is one of the largest fast food brands in Africa, with a particularly strong presence in South Africa, where most of its outlets are located.
Other well-known fried chicken chains in Africa include:
- Chicken Liken (South African based)
- Chicken Inn (by Zimbabwe based Simbisa Brands)
- Hungry Lion (South African based)
Who eats fried chicken in Africa?
Fried chicken consumers in Africa are over-represented among males aged 26 to 35 from lower income groups. Fried chicken fans also tend to eat out more frequently compared to those who eat other types of fast food.
In fact, 51% of fried chicken eaters dine out at least once a week, compared to 47% for those who prefer other types of popular fast food meals in Africa. This could indicate a strong link between fried chicken consumption in Africa and an active eating-out lifestyle.
Why Africans choose fast food?
Across all consumers of quick service restaurants in Africa, three main reasons explain the appeal of fast food:
- 24% say they look for a quick, affordable meal option
- 22% value the convenience and speed of service
- 14% enjoy the variety of menu options
More insights on the QSR industry in Africa
Leveraging our online panel in Africa, we continuously track consumer behaviour across various FMCG categories including in the Fast Food market in Africa. We regularly share insights on this segment with for example reports exploring which is Africa’s favourite pizza between Pizza Hut and Domino’s, the top Foodservice brands in Kenya or in Morocco. We can also deep dive into specific QSR players such as Mugg & Beans in South Africa with our Brand Health Tracker tool SagaBrand.
If you need more in-depth insights into Fast Food chains in Africa, we can certainly help.
To learn more about our research tools or to discuss your specific data needs, reach out to us at contact@sagaciresearch.com or click below.
Methodology
This analysis is powered by SagaCube, the continuous consumption tracker across the African continent
Questions:
- Which type would you consider as your favourite “fast food”?
- How often do you eat fast food?
- Why do you choose to eat at fast food restaurants?
Base: Minimum base size per country displayed
Population: adults in Africa above 18 years old across 54 countries
Period: May 2025
