Empowering African Communities Through Local Innovation: The Story Behind Great Value Instant Noodles
In the heart of our Africa business, Great Value Instant Noodles are more than just a product — they’re a powerful symbol of affordability, nourishment and transformation.
Walmart is proud to introduce the newly launched range, crafted with bold flavors that resonate with local tastes and priced to meet the everyday needs of families in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Along with delivering quality and value, this initiative drives local empowerment, wins shelf space, and creates moments of delight in homes and communities. Great Value is not only feeding our customers — it’s fueling progress.
At the center of this story is The Noodle Factory, South Africa’s first independent instant noodle manufacturer, located in Phillipi, Cape Town. This 100% African-owned business began its journey in 2012 with fewer than 10 employees and a bold vision: to localize noodle production, create jobs and provide accessible meals to communities in need.
Today, The Noodle Factory employs over 300 full-time team members, with 95% of its workforce being women.
They were also a participant in the Massmart powered by Walmart Supplier Development Programme initiative designed to support high-potential local businesses. This partnership helped accelerate The Noodle Factory growth, enabling it to scale operations while maintaining its core values of community support and sustainability.
Beyond production, the real investment is in its people. Every new employee receives comprehensive training — from food safety and machine operation to hygiene control — and support in opening bank accounts and building financial literacy.
Here are some of the faces driving this impact:
Nokuphumla Gqabi – Quality Controller
Nokuphumla is now able to provide financially for herself, her kids and her extended family. She has shown personal and professional growth over the years at The Noodle Factory and achieved success by completing a first aid course. She maintains quality records, ensuring that noodles are manufactured according to standard operating procedures, from raw materials to the final product.
Nomahlubi Tshandana – from Packer to Senior Supervisor
Nomahlubi is a self-reliant individual who, with hard work and dedication, is now able to financially support her two children. She has developed new skills in the workplace by successfully completing a firefighter course and, as a knowledgeable supervisor, has visited Parliament on various occasions to represent the The Noodle Factory. Nomahlubi’s managers say she is one of The Noodle Factory’s most trusted employees due to her reliability and trustworthiness. She unlocks the factory every morning before the start of the work day and ensures team members complete their tasks according to manufacturing and production standards.
Siyanda Sihlabaka – Supervisor
Siyanda is now able to financially care for herself, her mother and her extended family. She has successfully completed a health and safety course, in addition to being a supervisor. She ensures that company employees are well trained in their duties by assisting them in reaching good competency levels in quality and efficiency.
By choosing to partner with a supplier that prioritizes local sourcing, job creation and community development, Walmart has reinforced its commitment to building a better future for everyone.
Walmart and The Noodle Factory are bringing delicious, affordable noodles to customers while fueling hope, opportunity and progress in the heart of our communities.
