Pedros to Create 300 Jobs in Zimbabwe

Pedros' Flame Grilled Chicken

South African fast-food chain Pedros Flame Grilled Chicken is set to create approximately 300 jobs in Zimbabwe as it rolls out an initial 10 outlets by February next year.

Founded in 2019, Pedros has expanded rapidly and now operates more than 210 stores across South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Kenya. The brand is entering the Zimbabwean market through a strategic partnership with Canary Wharf Zimbabwe (CWZ).

First Phase Focused on Harare

Executive Head of Delegation Bernard Muneri said the first phase of the expansion will focus on Harare to streamline logistics and strengthen supply chain management.

“We are looking at opening about 10 stores within the next year, starting in Harare,” Muneri said. “Each store will employ between 30 and 35 people, which means roughly 300 jobs in the first phase alone.”

The jobs are expected to span operations, customer service, kitchen staff, logistics, and management roles, providing a boost to Zimbabwe’s retail and food services employment sector.

Local Sourcing a Priority

Muneri emphasised that the company will prioritise local sourcing, particularly from Zimbabwean poultry farmers. He confirmed that Pedros will not import chicken products, aligning with its regional model of supporting domestic agricultural value chains.

International Stores Department representative Sean Rowe said local procurement is central to the brand’s expansion strategy.

“All our fresh products, such as chicken and vegetables, are sourced locally in the countries we operate in,” Rowe said.

The approach is expected to create downstream benefits for Zimbabwe’s poultry, horticulture, and packaging industries.

Zimbabwe Seen as Growth Market

New Development Executive Peter Erasmus described Zimbabwe as an attractive investment destination, citing improvements in the business environment and rising demand within the fast-food sector. He noted that landlords are already offering prime retail space in shopping malls and food courts, reflecting confidence in the brand’s market entry.

CWZ chief executive Cleopas Mugomba said the partnership would stimulate employment creation, skills transfer, and technology exchange, while strengthening local agriculture and manufacturing linkages. With Zimbabwe’s expanding urban consumer base and fast-growing food delivery culture, Pedros believes it is well-positioned to compete in the country’s grilled chicken segment, traditionally dominated by established regional brands.

The initial rollout in Harare is expected to set the stage for further expansion into other major cities if the first phase proves successful.

Pedros Zimbabwe jobs