Where are the largest shopping centres in Africa? How many are in South Africa?
From the Moroccan megamall to South Africa’s retail empires, these shopping centres redefine luxury and nostalgia. Find out which one lures in millions.
One country dominates Africa’s retail rankings in spectacular fashion. From Morocco Mall’s crown to South Africa’s shopping empire, here’s the battle for the continent’s biggest retail spaces and why six of the top seven are all in one nation.
There’s something about going back to South Africa that brings out the shopper in every expat.
Maybe it’s the exchange rate working in our favour, or perhaps it’s the nostalgia of wandering familiar stores and stocking up on all the contraband: biltong, droëwors and Nik Naks that you can’t get anywhere else.
Whatever the reason, Africa’s shopping centres have become pilgrimage sites for South Africans living abroad.
Where Are the Largest Shopping Centres in Africa?
Morocco Mall in Casablanca claims the title of Africa’s largest shopping centre, with a staggering 200 000 square metres of total floor area.
This architectural marvel combines traditional Moroccan design with modern retail, featuring everything from luxury boutiques to a spectacular aquarium.
When it comes to gross lettable area (the space actually available for rent), South Africa dominates the rankings:
| Shopping Centre | Location | Size (sqm) |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco Mall | Casablanca, Morocco | 200 000 |
| Fourways Mall | Gauteng, South Africa | 178 202 |
| Menlyn Park | Pretoria, South Africa | 177 000 |
| Gateway Theatre of Shopping | uMhlanga, South Africa | 176 400 |
| Sandton City | Johannesburg, South Africa | 147 941 |
| Canal Walk | Cape Town, South Africa | 141 000 |
| Mall of Africa | Johannesburg, South Africa | 131 038 |
Cape Town’s lone representative, Canal Walk, sits at number six.
Then again, when you have Table Mountain, pristine beaches, and year-round sunshine, who needs to spend all day in a mall?
What Makes Them Stand Out?
Sandton City remains Africa’s most prestigious shopping destination, offering luxury brands and the famous Nelson Mandela Square.
Despite its smaller 147 941 sqm footprint compared to its Gauteng rivals, it’s recognised as a world-class retail hub in the heart of Johannesburg’s business district.
Mall of Africa is particularly impressive as the largest single-phase mall on the continent.
Its design, inspired by Africa’s geological features, includes themed courts representing different regions, from the Crystal Court celebrating Southern Africa’s mineral wealth to the Desert Court echoing North Africa’s Sahara.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping in uMhlanga attracts close to two million visitors per month, offering over 380 stores, IMAX cinemas, arcades, and approximately 12 000 parking spaces.
For South Africans living abroad, these aren’t just shopping centres. They’re air-conditioned time capsules where Woolworths still feels like home, where you can stock up on Mrs Ball’s Chutney, and where the rand stretches further than it ever did in Tesco.
The Next Generation: When Is Somerset Mall Set to Reopen?
Cape Town’s shopping landscape continues to evolve. Somerset Mall in Somerset West is undergoing a major transformation, with phase one set to open on 20 November 2025.
The redevelopment adds over 5 000 square metres of new retail space and 26 new stores, including the first South African Safari Collection outlet and Napapijri’s first Western Cape location.
The expansion created over 12 000 construction jobs and will sustain an additional 400 permanent positions.
With phase two launching in July 2026, featuring a Freedom Interactive Park, the mall’s owners are investing heavily in the future of South African retail.