US$ Billionaire Rostam Aziz scolded at protectionist Kenya

[Geza Ulole]

hajapewa leseni tu?

 

[Fundi kitasa]

Acha ujinga.
Kwa akili yako mwafrika mgani anakaa Asian.?
Huwa mnatetea Kila ujinga tu.

We kweli zezeta duuh🤔

 

[Geza Ulole]

Ex-Vodacom (T) kingpin comes back as competitor​

ippmedia.com/en/news/ex-vodacom-t-kingpin-comes-back-competitor
June 7, 2021

07Jun 2021
The Guardian Reporter
Dar es Salaam

News
The Guardian

Ex-Vodacom (T) kingpin comes back as competitor

• *Readies to take over TiGO, Zantel by Malagasy-based telecoms firm

LOCAL telecoms sector stakeholder Rostam Aziz, who was involved in board tussles over payment of hefty fees against Vodacom (T) Ltd to the government, appears to have branched off on his own, informed sources assert.

This development arises from reports that Millicom International Cellular S.A (Millicom), the parent company of MIC Tanzania PLC and Zanzibar Telecom PLC announced that it has signed an agreement for the sale of its entire operations - TIGO and Zantel – to a consortium led by Axian Group, a company based in the Malagasy capital of Antananarivo.

This announcement which appeared in the London daily, Financial Times, were linked to unconfirmed reports that the Axian Group has already nominated a multifaceted investor, Rostam Aziz as its local partner.

Well informed sources affirm that the veteran constructor who had a noticeable role in the early part of the fourth phase government has been on the board of Vodacom (T) and in the past two years decided to transfer his shares to Vodacom (South Africa), the parent company.

Certain investors were interested in finding out more about this partnership and what it implies for procedural advertising for a competitive tender for such sale, since it wasn’t proceeded via the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange where the two firms are listed, and instead sold out externally by the parent company.

Officials of Caspian Investments, a construction firm where the telecoms investor has controlling interest, when contacted they declined to comment, stating that Caspian was a construction firm and not a mobile services provider.

There are diverse claims that Tigo and Zantel have not been operating profitably in recent years and were actually in debt to banks, etc, with investigative reporters visiting the Zantel office near the US embassy remarking that the place looks like it is virtually abandoned.

Seeking for explanation for this state of affairs, one analyst suggested that Millicom has not sufficiently invested in Tigo and Zantel during the past three to five years, wondering if they should keep their toehold here or pull out to focus on its Latin American base.

As no further elaboration was available on the disposal of local operations of Tigo and Zantel, with millions of subscribers all over the country, analysts think it is a matter that regulatory authorities shall elaborate upon by the time the procedure for effecting the sale in being deliberated or finalised.

 

[Albaab]

RETURN OF THE DEVIL

Ex-Vodacom (T) kingpin comes back as competitor​

ippmedia.com/en/news/ex-vodacom-t-kingpin-comes-back-competitor
June 7, 2021

07Jun 2021
The Guardian Reporter
Dar es Salaam

News
The Guardian

Ex-Vodacom (T) kingpin comes back as competitor

• *Readies to take over TiGO, Zantel by Malagasy-based telecoms firm

LOCAL telecoms sector stakeholder Rostam Aziz, who was involved in board tussles over payment of hefty fees against Vodacom (T) Ltd to the government, appears to have branched off on his own, informed sources assert.

This development arises from reports that Millicom International Cellular S.A (Millicom), the parent company of MIC Tanzania PLC and Zanzibar Telecom PLC announced that it has signed an agreement for the sale of its entire operations - TIGO and Zantel – to a consortium led by Axian Group, a company based in the Malagasy capital of Antananarivo.

This announcement which appeared in the London daily, Financial Times, were linked to unconfirmed reports that the Axian Group has already nominated a multifaceted investor, Rostam Aziz as its local partner.

Well informed sources affirm that the veteran constructor who had a noticeable role in the early part of the fourth phase government has been on the board of Vodacom (T) and in the past two years decided to transfer his shares to Vodacom (South Africa), the parent company.

Certain investors were interested in finding out more about this partnership and what it implies for procedural advertising for a competitive tender for such sale, since it wasn’t proceeded via the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange where the two firms are listed, and instead sold out externally by the parent company.

Officials of Caspian Investments, a construction firm where the telecoms investor has controlling interest, when contacted they declined to comment, stating that Caspian was a construction firm and not a mobile services provider.

There are diverse claims that Tigo and Zantel have not been operating profitably in recent years and were actually in debt to banks, etc, with investigative reporters visiting the Zantel office near the US embassy remarking that the place looks like it is virtually abandoned.

Seeking for explanation for this state of affairs, one analyst suggested that Millicom has not sufficiently invested in Tigo and Zantel during the past three to five years, wondering if they should keep their toehold here or pull out to focus on its Latin American base.

As no further elaboration was available on the disposal of local operations of Tigo and Zantel, with millions of subscribers all over the country, analysts think it is a matter that regulatory authorities shall elaborate upon by the time the procedure for effecting the sale in being deliberated or finalised.

 

[BILLY ISISWE]

We unaongea ujinga mwingi sana hivi unazani Kati yetu na nyie nani anamuhitaji sana mwenzie nyie asilimia kubwa soko lenu mnategemea Tanzania kuuza bidhaa zenu.

ROSTAM mmmuu taifa gas na bomba la Gas to Mombasa.... na tayari viwanda vinatengeneza mabomba ya kuandika kutoka Tanga

 

[Geza Ulole]

Ruto's Uganda visit fiasco exposes harsh investment environment​

In Summary
• While it is easy to hit out at DP Ruto for helping an investor set up shop in Uganda, Kenyans must also question the many obstacles that frustrate investment here.
• Dollar billionaire Aziz Rostam gave a heart breaking account of his frustrations when he attempted to invest in gas in 2017. He met the President who welcomed his plan.


President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda with Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto.
Image: COURTESY

Deputy President William Ruto’s revelation in an interview on Wednesday that he helped an investor secure Sh15 billion to set up a vaccine factory in Uganda is disturbing.

Of course, every investor has their own plan and may have their reasons for not choosing Kenya. But the country’s second-in-command can’t be seen to be boosting the economy of another country, when his own needs investors to create jobs for the 800,000 Kenyans who hit the labour market each year. It is part of Ruto’s job to market Kenya as an investment destination of choice for global capital.

The DP has been sharply criticised – rightly – for his decision. But, that said, what is the investment climate like in Kenya? During his visit to London last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta invited businesspeople, saying Kenya remains one of the best investment destinations in Africa.

The government often repeats its commitment to improve the ease of doing business here. But during Tanzanian President Suluhu Hassan’s visit in May, dollar billionaire Aziz Rostam gave a heart breaking account of his frustrations when he attempted to invest in gas in 2017. He met the President who welcomed his plan.

“It has taken me three years and I have still not got a response on my investment proposition. A $130 million investment that I was ready to make, I met obstacle after obstacle after obstacle,” he said.

While it is easy to hit out at DP Ruto for helping an investor set up shop in Uganda, Kenyans must also question the many obstacles that frustrate investment here.

Ruto's Uganda visit fiasco exposes harsh investment environment

Billionaire Aziz Rostam was frustrated when he tried to invest in gas

www.the-star.co.ke

 

[Geza Ulole]

Mirambo tanker



MY TAKE
the largest in East and central Africa!

 

[Smart911]

Hakika, kuna ukiritimba mwingi sana...

 

[Somi]

Greed and personal interest nchi ya kitu kidogo

Wamepoteza wawekezaji wakubwa dangote na Rostam hapo vijana wangepata ajira nyumbani watu wangeshiba kusingekuwa na njaa
Kodi ingepatikana
Poor leadership

 

[Geza Ulole]

TBT

 

[nguvu]

Sema sisi wa Tanzania ni wazembe tu, kubali tu, hakuna cha factor wala nn, wa Kenya wanajua kuchangamkia fursa..

Kenya alikuwa anauza madini ya tanzanite zaidi ya Tanzania

Uzembe wetu ni nini? Kenya alikuwa anafanya biz zake tz kimafia sasa tukidili nae kwa style hiyo tunaonekana wazembe

 

[coodip1]

Greed and personal interest nchi ya kitu kidogo

Wamepoteza wawekezaji wakubwa dangote na Rostam hapo vijana wangepata ajira nyumbani watu wangeshiba kusingekuwa na njaa
Kodi ingepatikana
Poor leadership

Dangote alitaka kujenga kiwanda cha cement lakini wakubwa wakaona atawaharibia soko lao la cement kwasababu wanamiliki shares kwenye existing cement factories the same kwa Rostam on gas.

 

[Geza Ulole]

PRESS RELEASE​

ALL PRESS RELEASES

AXIAN TELECOM AND ROSTAM AZIZI CONSORTIUM CLOSES ACQUISITION OF MILLICOM’S ENTIRE TELECOM OPERATIONS IN THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA.​

Antananarivo, 5 April 2022

The consortium led by AXIAN Telecom and Mr Rostam Azizi announced today it has closed the acquisition of Millicom’s merged entity MIC Tanzania Public Limited Company (Tigo and Zantel) in the United Republic of Tanzania. The transaction brings approximately 14 million mobile customers to AXIAN Telecom and accelerates the development of the group in Africa which now operates in eight markets.

AXIAN Telecom consortium’s ambitious growth plan includes significant investment in the United Republic of Tanzania over the next five years to strengthen the network coverage and quality of service of the merged entity MIC Tanzania plc.

“With the acquisition of MIC Tanzania plc, AXIAN Telecom begins a new chapter in the United Republic of Tanzania. We’re delighted to start this exciting journey with our colleagues here and I believe together we will achieve great things and contribute to shaping the digital future of the country. We express our gratitude to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar for helping us bring this transaction home, and look forward to continuing to work alongside them.”

Hassanein Hiridjee, AXIAN Telecom Chairman.

The AXIAN Telecom consortium has set four key priorities in the United Republic of Tanzania:

• Support the digital transformation of the country with the deployment of cutting-edge technologies and services benefiting Tanzanian consumers and businesses alike. The consortium has access to major backbones and submarine cables in the region that will bring about faster connections between Tanzanians and elsewhere.
• Extend access to affordable mobile services and drive digital inclusion through significant investment in telecom infrastructure.The consortium plans to provide Tanzanian customers with improved network coverage and quality, notably via 4G network.
• Accelerate financial inclusion, capitalizing on the success of the merged entity’s mobile financial services to further develop bespoke services that meet Tanzanian customers’ needs. The consortium will also ensure the merged entity benefits from its expertise in delivering world-class mobile financial services in other countries.
• Develop and nurture talent.The consortium intends to foster employees’ career development and establish a strong focus on mobility, agility, training and shared knowledge for the employees of the merged entity MIC Tanzania plc.

The consortium consists of AXIAN Telecom and Mr Rostam Azizi, the well-known Tanzanian businessman and entrepreneur who has a lifelong career in telecommunications and played a key role in the development of the telecom sector in Tanzania. Mr Azizi, as incoming Chairman of MIC Tanzania plc, will provide valuable strategic guidance and stewardship to the company and the wider telecommunications ecosystem in Tanzania.

“When we began our telecoms adventure more than twenty years ago, the issue was connectivity. We were pioneers in building mobile coverage, especially in rural areas, that so many of my fellow Tanzanians now enjoy. Looking forward together with AXIAN Telecom, we will push the boundaries of digital inclusion while zooming in on specific customer solutions for Tanzanian people and businesses.”

Rostam Azizi, Chairman MIC Tanzania plc.

AXIAN Telecom’s hugely successful bond issue, completed in February 2022, marks the first-time use of an escrow structure for a private company operating in Africa and reflects Tanzania’s reputation as an investment destination of choice. The bond’s success sends a clear signal to all markets that international investors are open to investment opportunities in Tanzania and more broadly in Africa. AXIAN Telecom is unlocking new pathways for the continent´s private sector to mobilize investments that improve the everyday lives of the communities it serves.

Leveraging on its expertise notably in deploying state of the art technologies such as 5G networks and developing successful mobile financial services, AXIAN Telecom ambitions to energize the telecommunications ecosystem in Tanzania with a focus on ensuring a better experience for the customers.

ABOUT AXIAN TELECOM
AXIAN Telecom is a pan-African telecommunications services provider operating in eight markets through its subsidiaries in Madagascar, Comoros, Reunion, Mayotte, Senegal, Togo, Uganda and Tanzania.

It operates across three key business segments, providing mobile and fixed network services as well as digital infrastructure and mobile financial services. AXIAN Telecom serves around 33 million customers and is a market disruptor, having expanded from one market (Madagascar) until 2015 to eight markets today, through active acquisitions and major network investments.

We systematically ensure that our business have a sustainable and positive impact on the daily lives of millions of people.
Find more about AXIAN Telecom: www.axian-telecom.com

Read the press release

AXIAN TELECOM AND ROSTAM AZIZI CONSORTIUM CLOSES ACQUISITION OF MILLICOM’S ENTIRE TELECOM OPERATIONS IN THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA. - AXIAN Telecom

www.axian-telecom.com

 

[Geza Ulole]

Baada ya majungu mengiii umemruhusu!

Tanzanian Gas Dealer Makes Headways To Enter The Kenyan Market​

By Citizen Reporter
For Citizen Digital Published on: March 18, 2022 04:30 (EAT)

• The gas supplier has made several unsuccessful attempts to set up operations in Kenya.
• This included the setting up of a major gas terminal in Kilifi.
• Last week, it made headway into the market during the seventh bilateral trade meeting between Kenya and Tanzania.

By Edwin Okoth

Tanzania’s cooking gas supplier, Taifa Gas, has finally found a way into the Kenyan market after rounds of negotiations through the East African secretariat.

The gas supplier has made several unsuccessful attempts to set up operations in Kenya including the setting up of a major gas terminal in Kilifi.

Last week, it made headway into the market during the seventh bilateral trade meeting between Kenya and Tanzania where the team pushed through the barriers Taifa Gas has had trying to invest in Kenya.

Taifa Gas and its setting of operations in Kenya were among the six key issues Tanzania tabled in the negotiations held in Zanzibar.

“Out of the issues presented by the United Republic of Tanzania, six issues were resolved , the delay of clearance of goods due to scanning procedure, delays in issuance of import permits for dairy products exports, cumbersome procedures by the Kenya Revenue Authority and difficulties experienced by Taifa Gas Tanzania Limited investing in Kenya," read the communique in part.

The gas dealer’s entry into the Kenyan market will mark a major change in the commodity’s supply chain said to be dogged by monopolies that have kept cooking gas out of reach for many households.

Just last week, dealers hiked the price of cooking gas by at least 15 per cent with the cost of refilling a 6kg gas cylinder now increased to between Ksh.1,500-Ksh.1,650 while that of refilling a 13kg cylinder pushed to between Ksh.3,300 to Ksh.3,500.

In Tanzania, Taifa Gas sells a 6kg cylinder together with grill and burner at Tsh.40,000, an equivalent of Ksh.1,970 in Kenya which is not even enough to refill the same size of a cylinder in the country presently.

The difference is partly driven by the Value Added Tax that Kenya levies on its gas, but the entry of a new player is expected to drive competition and lower the prices of the crucial commodity.

The government estimates that at least 75 per cent of households still rely on wood fuel (charcoal and firewood) as their primary cooking fuel, a health hazard that is driving the spread of respiratory illnesses, according to a Ministry of Energy Household Cooking Sector study released in 2020.

“This indicates great exposure to harmful pollutants emitted from burning wood and charcoal. Household Air Pollution (HAP) is one of the largest health risk factors for mortality in Kenya with about 21,560 deaths attributed to HAP annually; this is more than the average number of deaths caused by road accidents,” the ministry wrote in the report.

Kenya also pushed through to have regulations relaxed to allow direct flights by budget carrier Jambo Jet and the waiver of fees charged on tourist vehicles dropping visitors on the Tanzanian side of the Namanga border.

Tanzanian gas dealer makes headways to enter the Kenyan market

Tanzania’s cooking gas supplier, Taifa Gas, has finally found a way into the Kenyan market after rounds of negotiations.

www.citizen.digital

 

[Geza Ulole]

Rostam Aziz mmiliki mpya Tigo, Zantel​

​

Summary​

• Kwa mara ya kwanza Rostam aliuza sehemu ya hisa zake Aprili 2014. Mwaka huo, aliuza asilimia 17.2 ya asilimia 35 alizokuwa anamiliki katika Vodacom Group kwa Dola za Marekani milioni 240 (Sh 557.28 bilioni).

By Ephrahim Bahemu
More by this Author

Dar es Salaam. Mfanyabiashara maarufu nchini, Rostam Aziz ni miongoni mwa wamiliki wa kampuni kubwa ya simu tarajiwa sokoni ya Telmo Tanzania.

Telmo inachukua nafasi ya Tigo na Zantel ambazo zilikuwa zinamilikiwa na Millicom Group kabla ya kununuliwa na Kampuni ya Madagascar, Axian Group (Axian Telecom).

Juzi kampuni ya Millicom International Cellular ilitangaza kukamilika uuzaji na uhamisho wa shughuli zake nchini Tanzania kwenda kwa kampuni mpya ya Axian ambayo itarithi mambo yote, yakiwemo madeni.

Kwa uhamisho huo, Millicom International Cellular imepata fedha taslimu Dola za Kimarekani milioni 100 (Sh233 bilioni).

“Leo hii Tigo ni mtoa huduma mkubwa wa internet kwa wateja, biashara na Serikali katika nchi za Amerika Kusini ambako huduma hizo bado ziko chini. Kwa tangazo la leo tumekamilisha biashara zetu Afrika, tumefunga ukurasa katika historia lakini tumefungua mwingine,” alisema Mauricio Ramos, ofisa mtendaji mkuu wa Millicom.

Juzi hiyohiyo, Kampuni ya Axian Telecom ilieleza kuwa kwa kushirikiana na Rostam wamekamilisha kuinunua Kampuni ya MIC Tanzania Public Limited Company (Tigo na Zantel), hivyo kupanua shughuli za kampuni ya Axian ambayo tayari ipo katika mataifa manane ya Afrika.

“Kwa kuitwaa MIC Tanzania plc, Aaxian Telecom inaanza ukurasa mpya Tanzania. Tunayo furaha kuanza safari hii ya kusisimua na wenzetu hapa na tunaamini kwa pamoja tutafanikisha mambo makubwa na kuchangia katika ulimwengu wa kidijitali,” alisema Hassanein Hiridjee, mwenyekiti wa Axian Telecom.

Hiridjee alitoa shukrani kwa Serikali ya Tanzania na ya Zanzibar kwa kufanikisha mchakato huo.

Alielezea uzoefu wa Rostam katika sekta ya mawasiliano nchini na kwa kuwa ndiye mwenyekiti ajaye wa kampuni hiyo, atatoa mwongozo mzuri kwa ajili ya mfumo mzima wa sekta ya mawasiliano ya simu nchini.

“Tulipoanza safari yetu ya mawasiliano zaidi ya miaka 20 iliyopita, suala lilikuwa kuunganisha watu, tulikuwa tunapambana kujenga mtandao, hususan katika maeneo ya vijijini ili Watanzania wenzetu wafurahi kuunganishwa.

“Kwa kushirikiana na Axian tutaongeza ushiriki wa dijitali, tukijikita zaidi kutoa suluhisho kwa Watanzania na wafanyabiashara,” alisema Rostam, ambaye ni mwenyekiti wa MIC Tanzania plc.

Rostam amewahi kuwa mwanahisa katika Kampuni ya Vodacom Tanzania kabla ya kuuza hisa zake (asilimia 35) zilizokuwa zikisimamiwa na kampuni yake ya uwekezaji ya Mirambo Holdings.

Kampuni ya Mirambo ilikuwa imesajiliwa Tanzania ikimilikiwa na kampuni ya East Africa Investment (Mauritius) iliyosajiliwa katika Jamhuri ya Shelisheli.

Kwa mara ya kwanza Rostam aliuza sehemu ya hisa zake Aprili 2014. Mwaka huo, aliuza asilimia 17.2 ya asilimia 35 alizokuwa anamiliki katika Vodacom Group kwa Dola za Marekani milioni 240 (Sh 557.28 bilioni).

Rostam Aziz mmiliki mpya Tigo, Zantel

Mfanyabiashara maarufu nchini, Rostam Aziz ni miongoni mwa wamiliki wa kampuni kubwa ya simu tarajiwa sokoni ya Telmo Tanzania.

www.mwananchi.co.tz

 

[Geza Ulole]

Rostam Aziz is the new owner of Tigo, Zantel​

Summary​

• Axian Group of Madagascar said in a statement yesterday that in partnership with Mr Aziz, it has closed the acquisition of Tigo and Zantel in Tanzania
• In September 2019, Rostam Aziz earned Sh499.8 billion after selling his 26.25 percent stake - which was held in form of 588 million shares under ‘Mirambo Holdings’ - in Vodacom Tanzania Plc – through the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) yesterday.

Advertisement

By Josephine Christopher
More by this Author

Dar es Salaam. Almost two years since selling his shares in Vodacom Tanzania, tycoon Rostam Aziz has now set his foot on Tigo and Zantel.

Axian Group of Madagascar said in a statement yesterday that in partnership with Mr Aziz, it has closed the acquisition of Tigo and Zantel in Tanzania.

Prior to the $100 million deal, Tigo and Zantel were owned by the Nasdaq (New York City) and Stockholm (Sweden) listed telecom firm, Millicom International Cellular S.A. (Millicom).

“The consortium led by Axian Telecom and Mr Rostam Aziz announced today it has closed the acquisition of Millicom’s merged entity MIC Tanzania Public Limited Company (Tigo and Zantel) in the United Republic of Tanzania. The transaction brings approximately 14 million mobile customers to Axian Telecom and accelerates the development of the group in Africa which now operates in eight markets,” the statement reads.

In September 2019, Rostam Aziz earned Sh499.8 billion after selling his 26.25 percent stake - which was held in form of 588 million shares under ‘Mirambo Holdings’ - in Vodacom Tanzania Plc – through the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) yesterday.

In 2014, Aziz sold off a 17.2 percent stake in Vodacom Tanzania to Vodacom South Africa for a reported $240 million. At the time, Aziz held the shares via Cavalry Holdings, a Jersey island-registered private investment company.

In its statement, Axian Group quotes its chairman, Hassanein Hiridjee as saying that the company would accelerate the digital inclusion and open access to innovative services for clients while supporting economic growth.

“We’re delighted to start this exciting journey with our colleagues here and I believe together we will achieve great things and contribute to shaping the digital future of the country. We express our gratitude to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar for helping us bring this transaction home, and look forward to continuing to work alongside them,” he said.

The statement quotes the incoming chairman of Mic Tanzania Plc, Mr Aziz as saying that when he began the telecoms adventure more than twenty years ago, the issue was connectivity.

“We were pioneers in building mobile coverage, especially in rural areas, that so many of my fellow Tanzanians now enjoy. Looking forward together with Axian Telecom, we will push the boundaries of digital inclusion while zooming in on specific customer solutions for Tanzanian people and businesses,”
The consortium by Axian Telecom and Mr Rostam Aziz has promised to support the country’s digital transformation and its access to submarine cables to enable faster connections.

Other plans is to provide affordable services, using international experience to provide world-class mobile financial services and develop and nurture local talents

Support the digital transformation of the country with the deployment of cutting-edge technologies and services benefiting Tanzanian consumers and businesses alike.

The deal includes strategic ownership in the EASSy cable landing station in Dar es Salaam and a consortium network with over 3,200km of backbone and over 600km of metro fibre.

The Axian-led alliance said it plans “to significantly increase the coverage of Tigo Tanzania and Zantel, especially for 4G network” and to “extend access to affordable mobile services and accelerate digitalisation in the territory”.

Rostam Aziz is the new owner of Tigo, Zantel

Almost two years since selling his shares in Vodacom Tanzania, tycoon Rostam Aziz has now set his foot on Tigo and Zantel.

www.thecitizen.co.tz

 

[Geza Ulole]

AXIAN TELECOM AND ROSTAM AZIZI CONSORTIUM CLOSES ACQUISITION OF MILLICOM’S ENTIRE TELECOM OPERATIONS IN THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA​

The consortium led by AXIAN Telecom and Mr Rostam Azizi announced today it has closed the acquisition of Millicom’s merged entity MIC Tanzania Public Limited Company (Tigo and Zantel) in the United Republic of Tanzania. The transaction brings approximately 14 million mobile customers to AXIAN Telecom and accelerates the development of the group in Africa which now operates in eight markets.

AXIAN Telecom consortium’s ambitious growth plan includes significant investment in the United Republic of Tanzania over the next five years to strengthen the network coverage and quality of service of the merged entity MIC Tanzania plc.

"With the acquisition of MIC Tanzania plc, AXIAN Telecom begins a new chapter in the United Republic of Tanzania. We’re delighted to start this exciting journey with our colleagues here and I believe together we will achieve great things and contribute to shaping the digital future of the country. We express our gratitude to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar for helping us bring this transaction home, and look forward to continuing to work alongside them. "
Hassanein Hiridjee, AXIAN Telecom Chairman.

The AXIAN Telecom consortium has set four key priorities in the United Republic of Tanzania:

• Support the digital transformation of the country with the deployment of cutting-edge technologies and services benefiting Tanzanian consumers and businesses alike. The consortium has access to major backbones and submarine cables in the region that will bring about faster connections between Tanzanians and elsewhere.
• Extend access to affordable mobile services and drive digital inclusion through significant investment in telecom infrastructure.The consortium plans to provide Tanzanian customers with improved network coverage and quality, notably via 4G network.
• Accelerate financial inclusion, capitalizing on the success of the merged entity's mobile financial services to further develop bespoke services that meet Tanzanian customers' needs. The consortium will also ensure the merged entity benefits from its expertise in delivering world-class mobile financial services in other countries.
• Develop and nurture talent.The consortium intends to foster employees’ career development and establish a strong focus on mobility, agility, training and shared knowledge for the employees of the merged entity MIC Tanzania plc.

"The consortium consists of AXIAN Telecom and Mr Rostam Azizi, the well-known Tanzanian businessman and entrepreneur who has a lifelong career in telecommunications and played a key role in the development of the telecom sector in Tanzania. Mr Azizi, as incoming Chairman of MIC Tanzania plc, will provide valuable strategic guidance and stewardship to the company and the wider telecommunications ecosystem in Tanzania.

When we began our telecoms adventure more than twenty years ago, the issue was connectivity. We were pioneers in building mobile coverage, especially in rural areas, that so many of my fellow Tanzanians now enjoy. Looking forward together with AXIAN Telecom, we will push the boundaries of digital inclusion while zooming in on specific customer solutions for Tanzanian people and businesses."
Rostam Azizi, Chairman MIC Tanzania plc.

AXIAN Telecom’s hugely successful bond issue, completed in February 2022, marks the first-time use of an escrow structure for a private company operating in Africa and reflects Tanzania’s reputation as an investment destination of choice. The bond’s success sends a clear signal to all markets that international investors are open to investment opportunities in Tanzania and more broadly in Africa. AXIAN Telecom is unlocking new pathways for the continent´s private sector to mobilize investments that improve the everyday lives of the communities it serves.

Leveraging on its expertise notably in deploying state of the art technologies such as 5G networks and developing successful mobile financial services, AXIAN Telecom ambitions to energize the telecommunications ecosystem in Tanzania with a focus on ensuring a better experience for the customers.

ABOUT AXIAN TELECOM
AXIAN Telecom is a pan-African telecommunications services provider operating in eight markets through its subsidiaries in Madagascar, Comoros, Reunion, Mayotte, Senegal, Togo, Uganda and Tanzania.

It operates across three key business segments, providing mobile and fixed network services as well as digital infrastructure and mobile financial services. AXIAN Telecom serves around 33 million customers and is a market disruptor, having expanded from one market (Madagascar) until 2015 to eight markets today, through active acquisitions and major network investments.

We systematically ensure that our business have a sustainable and positive impact on the daily lives of millions of people.

AXIAN TELECOM AND ROSTAM AZIZI CONSORTIUM CLOSES ACQUISITION OF MILLICOM’S ENTIRE TELECOM OPERATIONS IN THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA | Tigo Tanzania

Tigo Official Website

www.tigo.co.tz

 

[Geza Ulole]

Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz to enter Kenya’s liquefied petroleum gas market​

Aziz was reportedly the first Tanzanian to have a net worth of more than $1 billion, according to Forbes.

Published
17 hours ago
on
April 18, 2022
By
Eduardo Serrano Cuevas

Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz.

Taifa Gas, a Tanzanian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply company led by prominent businessman Rostam Aziz, has been granted permission to establish an LPG plant in Kenya’s Export Processing Zone (EPZ), allowing the energy firm to expand its operations in East Africa.

The permission granted to the Tanzanian energy firm is part of a bilateral trade agreement between Kenya and Tanzania that spans the aviation and energy sectors, as the two governments work out bilateral trade agreements that will drive growth for the benefit of both countries.

The new trade agreement also allows Kenyan airline, Jambojet, to fly to Tanzanian destinations. The two countries have also resolved disputes involving aviation, tour vans, COVID-19 clearance certificates, and goods clearance on the Kenya-Tanzania border.

Kenyan LPG dealers recently increased the price of cooking gas by at least 15 percent, causing the cost of refilling a six-kilogram gas cylinder to exceed KSh1,500 ($13), while the cost of refilling a 13-kilogram cylinder to exceed KSh3,300 ($28.6).

The approval granted to the Aziz-led firm marks the beginning of a concerted effort to reduce energy prices, which have risen in recent weeks as local players in Kenya’s LPG market sell the commodity at prices deemed exorbitant and out of reach for many low-income households.

The leading energy company will also deepen and diversify its assets in East Africa as it prepares to add to its existing portfolio of assets in the region, which includes 35 plants and storage facilities in Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar.

Taifa Gas, formerly Mihan Gas, operates as Tanzania’s largest LPG supply company. Under the leadership of Aziz, the Tanzanian LPG supply company has built more than 30 plants and storage facilities in the East African country.

Aside from his stake in Taifa Gas, the Tanzanian billionaire, who was reportedly the first Tanzanian to have a net worth of more than $1 billion, according to Forbes in 2013, owns Caspian Mining, a contract mining firm in Tanzania, as well as real estate in Dubai and Oman.

The majority of Aziz’s fortune stems from his ownership of Vodacom Tanzania, the country’s largest telecom service provider. The Tanzanian billionaire sold his stake in Vodacom Tanzania to Vodacom Group South Africa in 2014 for an estimated $400 million.

Photo: Mwananchitz CC BY-SA 4.0

Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Aziz to enter Kenya’s liquefied petroleum gas market

Aziz was reportedly the first Tanzanian to have a net worth of more than $1 billion, according to Forbes.

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[Geza Ulole]

 

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