DPI commits US$50M to support Kazyon’s expansion in Morocco, Saudi Arabia
The move comes as international discount retailers increase their presence in Morocco
MENA – London-based private equity firm Development Partners International has invested an additional US$50 million in Egyptian discount retailer Kazyon to support its ongoing expansion across the Middle East and North Africa, with Morocco identified as a key growth market.
The follow-on investment was confirmed by DPI partner Jade Del Lero Moreau, who said the capital would be used to scale Kazyon’s operations outside Egypt following earlier equity backing by the firm.
DPI’s latest commitment follows a period of rapid growth for Kazyon, which has expanded its footprint to about 1,600 stores across Egypt, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia and now has more than 11,000 employees.
Founded in 2014, Kazyon has grown through a mix of organic store openings and targeted investments, including the acquisition of a stake in Saudi-based discount retailer Al Dukan.
The company formally entered the Moroccan market in October 2023 through locally registered subsidiaries, positioning the country as one of its fastest-growing operations outside Egypt.
Morocco Operations Expand Rapidly
Since launching in Morocco, Kazyon has opened around 200 stores nationwide and now employs more than 2,300 people, reflecting a rapid rollout strategy focused on urban and semi-urban areas.
Kazyon operates under a hard-discount retail format, with stores averaging 600 square meters, limited product assortments, and pricing set below prevailing market averages.
The retailer’s expansion has been supported by investments in logistics, including the opening of a second distribution centre in Tangier in October, covering 14,000 square meters.
The Tangier facility complements an earlier logistics platform in Mohammedia and has created 342 direct jobs in northern Morocco, as well as additional indirect employment in transport and supply services.
Investment Context and Market Impact
In March 2025, the International Finance Corporation provided Kazyon Group with a US$30 million loan to support the expansion of Morocco’s discount grocery sector and associated retail infrastructure.
According to IFC, the financing was intended to support job creation exceeding 3,000 positions and to strengthen supply chains for essential food products.
Kazyon’s expansion places it in direct competition with established discount retailers such as Turkey’s BIM and Label’Vie-owned Supeco, increasing pressure within Morocco’s hard discount segment.
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