“We are pioneering ‘hotelification’ of office space in Africa, a concept based on more than just the services KOFISI provides.” – Michael Aldridge, CEO of KOFISI
As many countries continue to recover from the economic turmoil caused by the Coronavirus pandemic,companies are now looking to return to the office to build a stronger culture of productivity and connection. Michael Aldridge, CEO of KOFISI, says his growing company is working to revolutionise the shared office market here.
“Our mission has always been to raise the bar for quality fit out and design of workplaces for business in Africa and to provide engaging and productive places for them to explore the opportunities. Often, these companies have very specific workplace requirements and a rigorous selection and due diligence process.KOFISI’s experience in dealing with these enterprise clients, and the larger size of our spaces, has led to some of the most recognisable corporations choosing us as their workspace partner for Africa.
It is widely accepted that shared workspaces present a significantly lower outlay in both operating and capital investment, and our proposition – with flexible terms and access to a wider range of additional,exceptional facilities – is even more appealing in the emerging environment, which is often more uncertain.”
KOFISI has expanded its spaces in line with client wins, explains Aldridge. “We now have over 250,000 sqft of office space, an additional 100,000 sqft opening in the next year, with ambition to reach 1 million sqft. Our latest Centre, KOFISI Square, is 80,000 sqft, and one of the largest spaces delivered in subSaharan Africa. It has an exceptional range of facilities – a 7,000 sqft terrace, 12 different types of locations to work from, seven lounges, five kitchens, an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as assembly rooms for 100 people talks.All our spaces are delivered to exacting standards and our aesthetic is to combine international standards in interior design, with locally sourced furniture and finishings. We use curated colours, local textiles and artifacts from regional markets, to ensure our spaces are authentic and engaging.
As the trend for quality design and a wide variety of workplace facilities grows, KOFISI is in a position of strength, having established an unrivaled reputation for delivering exactly what large scale and multinational businesses need to work.
Aldridge also explains how shared workspaces can impact Kenya’s economy. “If we attract business here,we create jobs. I have over 2000 desks, but these clients probably have over 10,000 people in the field. In providing excellent workspace we are helping those businesses be more productive and successful, as well as proving that Kenya – specifically Nairobi – is one of the go-to cities to establish business in Africa
The CEO also offers more information about how KOFISI manages to find success in an assortment of bustling African markets. “The shared workspace sector in Africa and in Nairobi is currently less than 1%of commercial space, whereas in more developed cities like New York or London or Berlin, it’s around 10-15% of commercial space.” This offers exceptional growth potential for KOFISI, as the leader in the market.
Aldridge also notes how his company wins its highly engaged customer base. “Our clients are 70% multinational, and about 5% individual co-working (with the balance of it being smaller companies). In that respect we see ourselves as an enterprise flex business, not a co-working company. When you consider what we offer inside our Centres – a full range of facilities and member services, in space large enough to accommodate big organisations; we are the experts. To put it simply, we ‘do’ office space better than any self-delivered option is able to, which is why I believe our model is the future of the workplace in Africa.”
See the full feature on Forbes Africa
