Kigali — SUPERMARKET chain Nakumatt Holdings has set aside more than $20m (sh32.8b) for expansion in East Africa.

Nakumatt chief Thiagarajan Ramamurthy said during the launch of the $3m (sh4.9b) branch in Kigali, that the expansion plan includes opening three branches in Uganda, two in Rwanda, four in Tanzania as well as increasing its network in Kenya to 30 supermarkets in the next two years.

The Kigali branch, which sits on more than 25,000 square feet, is the first of its kind in the region and brings the total number of Nakumatt supermarkets in the world to 20.

"Through this supermarket, we shall transfer global retail practices to Rwanda," Ramamurthy said.

He added: "Such international best practices will be undertaken alongside a strategic effort to foster the growth of local manufacturers and producers."

Ramamurthy said plans to open similar stores in Uganda were in advanced stages and was optimistic of the country's market.