"The decision to close operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo during this period is regrettable but is part of the group's long-term strategy," its November 21 statement said.

South Africa's biggest retailer by market capitalization launched in Congo in 2012 during a period of aggressive expansion push into African's frontier retail markets

The decision follows the closure of operations in Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda and Madagascar as the group aims to focus more on its business in South Africa, Shoprite said.

The company said after the sale of its Nigerian unit last year that it was changing its model from an ownership to a franchise one after a review of its long-term options in Africa.

It said its expansion plans had been hit by currency volatility, double-digit inflation, high import duties and dollar-based rentals.

Shoprite's three shops in Congo were among its 2,800 stores across 15 countries in Africa.