McDonals sets to open outlet in Zimbabwe

The world's biggest Acclaimed fast-food chain, McDonalds, has chosen Zimbabwe as a profitable market for its outlets as the country continues to recover from the economic recession experienced over the last decade.

McDonalds has been persistent on getting into the Zimbabwe since 1999 but was put off by the simmering political and economic instability.

For the last few years some international companies pulled out of Zimbabwe, frustrated by the inclement operating environment which was characterised by hyperinflation and chronic foreign currency shortages.

The foreign currency crunch meant companies could not take out their profits.

However the establishment of a coalition government between President Robert Mugabe and his political rivals helped ease tensions while positive policy interventions such as ditching the Zimbabwe dollar have put the economy on a recovery path.

Attracted by the turnaround, McDonalds is reportedly now ready to move into the country, according to a South African marketing website which quoted the company’s international franchising agency.

However, McDonalds did not deny the report.

Many bservers see the company’s plans to move into the country as a sign of confidence in its economic prospects.

The African continent represents a new frontier for McDonalds which reportedly serves up to 47 million customers across the world but has faced criticism over the healthiness of its products.

McDonalds currently operates in very few African countries led by South Africa, where it has about 132 restaurants.