News: Africa's Coolest Mall, Mall of Africa, gets a brand refresh

08 Apr 2025

Arriving at Mall of Africa you'll be greeted by the mammoth 5,5m sculpture of Africa, titled There is no time like the present, by artist Rina Stutzer. "Inspired by Africa, Designed for the World" is the tagline of Mall of Africa, South Africa’s largest shopping mall, opened on April 28, 2016. Located at the heart of expansive Waterfall City, about 25km north of Johannesburg's City Centre, the mall spans 131,038m² of retail space and is home to more than 300 stores, many of which are flagship locations, and around 30 restaurants.

In March 2025, Mall of Africa unveiled its refreshed brand campaign, “Inspired by Africa,” a powerful celebration of African identity blended with global sophistication. This new positioning captures the mall’s role as a shopping destination that is a modern landmark of architectural innovation and continental pride.

For the seventh year running, Mall of Africa has earned the title of “Coolest Mall in Africa” by the Sunday Times Generation Next Awards, based on South Africa’s leading youth survey conducted by HDI Youth Marketeers.

Africa’s Largest Single-Phase Mall

Remarkably, Mall of Africa was built in a single phase. Designed to be the centrepiece of Africa’s most ambitious mixed-use development, the mall is part of the 2,200-hectare Waterfall precinct, a smart city that integrates residential, commercial, and lifestyle spaces.

African Design at Its Core

Mall of Africa’s architectural design is inspired by the geological beauty and natural richness of the African continent. Its immense skylights bring in natural light, while the interior and exterior spaces incorporate regional motifs that guide the shopper through a journey of Africa’s diverse environments. Zones of the mall are named for different aspects of Africa's riches, from the Crystal Court — representing Southern Africa’s mineral wealth — to the Desert Court, Oleum Court, and Forest Walk, complete with a roof structure evoking Central Africa's forest canopies and enhanced by animated LED lighting. This thoughtful design has earned the Mall of Africa global recognition by the African Property Awards for Best Retail Architecture South Africa, and Best Retail Architecture Africa (African Property Awards, 2021–2022).

Judged by an expert panel of industry leaders, these awards recognise world-class architecture, innovation, sustainability, and user experience.

Mall of Africa - Rina Stutzer sculpture — "There is no time like the present" by Rina Stutzer, a site-specific sculpture at Mall of Africa.
Photo: Supplied.

A Hub for Global and Local Fashion Icons

Mall of Africa is renowned for its impressive retail mix, blending top-tier global brands with celebrated South African designers.

Notable international brands include:
Fashion & Apparel: Zara, H&M, Armani Exchange, Mango, The Kooples, True Religion, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors
Footwear & Accessories: Aldo, Under Armour, Jo Malone, Emporio Armani
Beauty & Skincare: ARC, Skins Cosmetics, Lush, The Body Shop
Lifestyle & Home: Zara Home

The mall also champions local fashion and design excellence, housing proudly South African brands such as: Maxhosa Africa, Bathu Shoes, Freedom of Movement, Amakipkip, Sorbet and Hair Majesty.

Sustainability Meets Innovation

Part of the larger Waterfall City vision, the mall reflects the eco-conscious planning of the precinct—ranging from energy-saving ventilation systems to solar-powered solutions and water purification systems that drastically reduce plastic use. Even the interior finishings make a statement, using natural woods, stone, and materials that reflect African landscapes.