Inzovu Mall developer, French retailer to open 10 supermarkets in Rwanda

Groupe Duval, the French company behind the upcoming Inzovu Mall in Kigali, and the French supermarket group Coopérative U have announced plans to open at least 10 stores across various cities in Rwanda over the next five years. Coopérative U operates supermarket and hypermarket brands such as Hyper U, Super U, and U Express. ALSO READ: Key infrastructure projects to look out for in 2025 The announcement, made by Groupe Duval on Tuesday, September 9, follows the signing of a strategic partnership between the two companies that will mark the official entry of the U brand into the Rwandan market. The first outlet, a U Express store, is scheduled to open in early 2026 at Inzovu Mall, a 27,000-square-meter mixed-use complex located at the old Ministry of Justice premises in Kimihurura, opposite the Rwanda Parliament and near Kigali Convention Centre. Inzovu Mall, developed and owned by French firm Groupe Duval through Duval Great Lakes, is expected to be Kigali’s largest shopping center and will feature a retail and leisure hub, a four-star Odalys hotel, a business center, and modern offices. ALSO READ: Inside the multi-million dollar Inzovu Mall Both companies said their expansion strategy will focus on recruiting and training local talent, empowering employees, and strengthening agricultural value chains by collaborating with local suppliers. The partnership is expected to create over 500 direct jobs, further promoting inclusion and economic development in the region. “Inzovu Mall reflects our vision: to invest with and for the communities, creating shared value,” Louis-Victor Duval, CEO of Groupe Duval, was quoted as saying in a statement posted Tuesday on the company website. “Through this partnership and the upcoming launch of the U brand in Rwanda, we want to give customers easier access to quality products, support the upskilling of local talent, and actively contribute to the country’s growth momentum,” he added. Dominique Schelcher, CEO of Coopérative U, said the partnership with Duval marks an important step in the cooperative’s growth, including its expansion into international markets. “With the arrival of U stores in Rwanda, consumers will benefit from our promise: quality products at affordable prices,” he said. For Coopérative U, Rwanda will be its 11th market in Africa. The company already has stores in West and Central Africa, Mauritius, Morocco and Madagascar.

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Inzovu Mall developer, French retailer to open 10 supermarkets in Rwanda