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Marrakech – London-based private equity firm Development Partners International (DPI) has committed an additional $50 million in follow-on funding to support Egyptian discount retail chain Kazyon’s expansion across the Middle East and North Africa, with particular focus on Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
DPI partner Jade Del Lero Moreau announced that the new capital injection will accelerate Kazyon’s growth in international markets. The investment follows DPI’s earlier major equity stake in the retailer and reflects continued confidence in Kazyon’s business model.
Since DPI’s initial investment, Kazyon has expanded to approximately 1,600 stores across three countries and built a workforce exceeding 11,000 employees.
Founded in 2014, the company has pursued strategic acquisitions, including a stake in Saudi discount retailer Al Dukan, and established operations in Morocco through local subsidiaries.
The latest funding will enable Kazyon to deepen its market reach while offering consumers everyday products at competitive prices. DPI stated the investment supports Kazyon’s scalable operational model and growing portfolio of private-label brands.
Kazyon entered the Moroccan market in October 2023 and already runs about 200 stores. The company now employs more than 2,300 Moroccan staff and operates using a “hard discount” or “maxi discount” model, featuring stores averaging 600 square meters with limited product ranges sold at below-average prices.
The discount retailer operates stores characterized by competitive pricing, accessibility, and quality products and services. This model has attracted growing numbers of Moroccan consumers seeking affordable essential goods.
In March 2025, IFC deepened its partnership with Kazyon Group through a $30 million loan to accelerate the expansion of Morocco’s discount grocery sector. The initiative aimed to strengthen food security, modernize retail value chains, and create over 3,000 direct jobs, with a strong focus on youth and women.
In October, Kazyon Morocco inaugurated its second logistics platform in Tangier, spanning 14,000 square meters. This facility complements the company’s initial distribution center in Mohammedia and created 342 direct jobs in northern Morocco, with additional indirect employment opportunities.
At the time, Mohamed Benmezouara, CEO of Kazyon Morocco, noted the company’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s growth and contributing to regional economic development.
Kazyon’s expansion rewrites the rules of Morocco’s retail sector. The company operates alongside Turkish discount chain BIM, intensifying competition in the hard discount segment.
The growing presence of international discount retailers such as Kazyon is breaking the long-standing duopoly of players like BIM and Label’Vie’s Supeco, fundamentally reshaping Morocco’s hard-discount retail landscape.
Traditional Moroccan corner shops (hanout), however, face increasing pressure from these modern discount retailers, which offer structured supply chains and competitive pricing.
