Dangote-backed Private Equity Firm to Acquire East African-based Java House

A private equity firm backed by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is set to acquire Java House, a leading East African coffee chain.

Mauritius-based Alterra Capital, supported by Dangote and partnered with Phatisa Group, will purchase the restaurant chain from UK-based Actis for an undisclosed amount. According to the COMESA Competition Commission, Alterra will hold a majority stake.

The firms assure that the acquisition will not impact market competition.

This marks Java House’s fourth ownership change since 2012. Actis, now part of General Atlantic, has been seeking to divest from the chain since 2023, even considering an IPO.

Founded in Nairobi in 1999, Java House has expanded to 73 outlets across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. It operates under Java House Group, which also owns Foodscape, Kukito, Planet Yogurt, and 360 Degrees Artisan Pizza.

Java House’s investment history includes a 90 percent stake sale to Emerging Capital Partners in 2012, followed by a US$100 million acquisition by Dubai’s Abraaj Group. Actis took over in 2019 after Abraaj’s liquidation.

This latest acquisition signals continued investor confidence in East Africa’s growing food and beverage market.