A survival story of heritage, adaptation, and resilience.
Before modern capitals rose across the continent…
before railways crossed deserts and savannas…
before global markets reshaped local trade…
Some African businesses were already alive.
They survived empires, colonization, independence movements, economic upheavals, and technological change. Like long-lived species in the wild, they adapted to shifting environments — cultural, political, and commercial.
This is the story of ten of Africa’s oldest businesses still operating today.
From Morocco’s ancient medinas to South Africa’s wine valleys and Nigeria’s colonial-era banks, these enterprises were born in worlds of caravans and sailing ships.
Their landscapes changed.
Their customers changed.
Their systems changed.
They endured.
🐄 Chouara Tannery — Morocco (est. ~11th century)
🌐 https://www.chouaratannery.com
Hidden inside Fez’s ancient medina, Chouara Tannery has processed leather for nearly a thousand years using techniques passed down through generations.
Survival strategy: preserving traditional craft while feeding modern fashion supply chains.
🏨 Taitu Hotel — Ethiopia (founded 1907)
Ethiopia’s oldest hotel has hosted diplomats, writers, and travelers for more than a century, standing firm through revolutions and regime changes.
Survival strategy: cultural relevance and continuity of hospitality.
🍇 Groot Constantia — South Africa (founded 1685)
🌐 https://www.grootconstantia.co.za
South Africa’s oldest wine estate continues harvesting grapes on land first cultivated in the 17th century, blending historic terroir with modern winemaking.
Survival strategy: agricultural legacy paired with premium branding.
🌿 Boschendal — South Africa (founded 1685)
Founded the same year as Groot Constantia, Boschendal evolved from colonial farm to global lifestyle estate combining wine, food, and tourism.
Survival strategy: diversification beyond agriculture.
🍺 South African Breweries — South Africa (founded 1895)
What began as a regional brewer grew into one of Africa’s most influential beverage companies, later becoming part of a global brewing network.
Survival strategy: scaling local products into international markets.
🏦 First National Bank South Africa — South Africa (roots tracing to 1838)
Emerging from early colonial banking institutions, FNB evolved into a modern financial powerhouse serving millions across southern Africa.
Survival strategy: following society’s changing financial needs.
🏦 First Bank of Nigeria — Nigeria (founded 1894)
🌐 https://www.firstbanknigeria.com
Nigeria’s oldest bank began during colonial trade and grew alongside the nation’s independence, becoming a backbone of West African commerce.
Survival strategy: institutional trust across generations.
🚢 Rogers Group — Mauritius (founded 1899)
Starting in shipping and trade, Rogers Group expanded into logistics, hospitality, and finance, mirroring Mauritius’ rise as a regional business hub.
Survival strategy: diversification across island economies.
🧺 Souk Semmarine — Morocco (est. centuries ago)
🌐 https://www.visitmarrakech.com/souk-semmarine
Part of Marrakech’s historic trading network, Souk Semmarine represents centuries-old commercial continuity, where merchants still sell textiles, crafts, and spices much as their ancestors did.
Survival strategy: community-based commerce.
🏨 Mena House Hotel — Egypt (opened 1886)
🌐 https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/caimh-marriott-mena-house-cairo
Overlooking the pyramids of Giza, this historic hotel has welcomed royalty, world leaders, and explorers for well over a century.
Survival strategy: location, legacy, and global appeal.
🌅 Closing Reflection
In nature, survival belongs not to the strongest —
but to the most adaptable.
Across Africa, these businesses endured by respecting heritage while embracing transformation. Some stayed rooted in ancient crafts. Others scaled into finance, tourism, or global trade.
Their story carries the same timeless lesson:
Longevity is not about standing still — it’s about learning when to evolve.