Starbucks to open in South Africa in April, marking its entry into sub Sahara Africa

American coffee chain Starbucks plans to set up shop in South Africa in April, marking its entry into sub Sahara Africa.

The retail coffee giant will open its first two stores in upmarket shopping malls located in and near the financial capital, Johannesburg.

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In a statement published on the company’s website, Starbucks had announced in July last year it would enter the sub Saharan Africa market for the first time in 2016, in partnership with Taste Holdings for its stores in South Africa.

According to the CEO of Taste Holdings Carlo Gonzaga, the company plans to open up to 15 outlets over the next two years.

“We think the South African market can, right now, take about 150 Starbucks stores,” he further added.

The company said the new stores will serve coffee sourced from Africa and its entry in the South African market will see it compete with a host of local brands.

Currently, Starbucks has a presence in only two other African countries, Egypt and Morocco.

The chain operates more than 22,000 stores worldwide.