But Starbucks’ move comes at a time when South Africa, like many commodity-rich nations across the continent, is struggling to grow its economy amid myriad issues ranging from government missteps to social unrest and drought. Many retailers, like South Africa-based Massmart Holdings Ltd., which is majority-owned by Wal-Mart Stores Inc.,
have tried to expand out into the broader continent in recent years, but have run into roadblocks that have significantly slowed their progress.