(Ecofin Agency) - Kenya’s coffee trader Java House, owned by the Dubai-based private equity firm Abraaj, plans to increase the number of sale points to about 200 from 60 currently, over the next 4 years, CEO Paul Smith told Bloomberg.

The move aligns with the company’s desire to expand brand through acquisitions and the opening of new outlets directly operated by the company or franchised. Currently Java House also operates in Rwanda and Uganda. With an initial budget of KSh1 billion ($10 million), it targets other markets including Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa, as well as China (dominated by the global giant Starbucks).

“The company is in discussions with a potential investor about exporting coffee there and eventually opening stores. China would be a lovely dream .We are seriously having a look at it,” Smith said.

Let’s recall that Abraaj acquired Java House in July 2017 from founder Kevin Ashley and the pan-African investment fund, Emerging Capital Partners (ECP).  

Espoir Olodo