Raila Odinga’s quiet business empire: energy, real estate and strategic stakes
Odinga’s passing throws fresh attention on a low-profile business empire built around energy, manufacturing and family-run holding structures.
East Africa
Malagasy tycoon Hassanein Hiridjee’s AXIAN Energy backs $58 million solar project in Ivory Coast
Hassanein Hiridjee’s AXIAN Energy backs a $58 million solar project in Ivory Coast to boost renewable power access.
CIC Group, backed by Kenyan tycoon Gideon Muriuki, unveils dollar fund giving investors access to global markets
CIC Group, backed by Kenyan tycoon Gideon Muriuki, launches a dollar-based balanced fund to expand access to global investment opportunities.
Ugandan tycoon Emmanuel Katongole’s QCIL unveils new drug factory in Kampala
QCIL, chaired by Ugandan tycoon Emmanuel Katongole, has unveiled a new factory in Kampala, boosting Africa’s drug output and regional health self-reliance.
Kenyatta family’s NCBA in takeover talks with Standard Bank
The Kenyatta family’s NCBA Group may be on the verge of a takeover by Standard Bank, signaling a shift in Kenya’s financial power.
Inside the secretive succession of Rwandan tobacco billionaire Tribert Rujugiro’s empire
When Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa died in Dubai in April 2024, he left more than a fortune. From Uganda to Angola, his Pan-African tobacco empire—built on power, politics, and secrecy—passed to his heirs. The story of one of Africa’s most elusive fortunes enters a new chapter.
Kenyan billionaire Humphrey Kariuki named IUCN Patron of Nature in Abu Dhabi
Businessman and conservation advocate Humphrey Kariuki becomes the first African named a Patron of Nature by IUCN, cementing his role in global biodiversity efforts.
Kenyan tycoon Peter Munga wins 14-year battle over TransCentury shares
Kenyan tycoon Peter Munga wins court case over a Ksh150 million ($1.2 million) TransCentury share dispute, ending a 14-year legal battle.
Sam Darwish's IHS completes $274 million sale of Rwanda operations
IHS Towers, led by Sam Darwish, has sold its Rwandan operations to Paradigm Tower Ventures for $274.5 million, refining its African focus.
Baloobhai Patel’s Aksaya to build Marriott-branded hotel at Nairobi Airport
Baloobhai Patel’s Aksaya Estates partners with Marriott to open a Courtyard hotel at Nairobi Airport, expanding luxury hospitality in Kenya.
IBL Group, led by Arnaud Lagesse, completes $117 million AfrAsia Bank stake sale
Mauritian tycoon Arnaud Lagesse’s IBL Group sells a $117 million AfrAsia Bank stake to Access Holdings to rebalance investments.
Canadian financier Charles Field-Marsham, who founded Kenya’s top investment bank, exits in management buyout
Canadian banker-entrepreneur Charles Field-Marsham exits Kestrel Capital via a management buyout, capping three decades of market-building and leaving the firm to a Kenyan investor group.
Tribunal resets control of Directline, impacting Kenyan media mogul SK Macharia
Tribunal resets Directline control, impacting SK Macharia and reinstating the insurer’s February 2023 ownership structure.
Mombasa tycoon Mohamed Jaffer faces new court battle over held wheat imports
Mohamed Jaffer’s Bulkstream Limited sued by Pan Afric Commodities over 1,514 tonnes of wheat held at Mombasa Port.
Madagascar’s second richest man says Africa’s growth will come from informal sector
Hassanein Hiridjee, CEO of Axian Group and Madagascar’s second richest man, says Africa’s economic future depends on empowering millions of small informal businesses with access to clean energy and fairer financing.
Peter Ndegwa-led Safaricom invests $777 million in Kenyan suppliers
Safaricom, led by Peter Ndegwa, invested $777.6 million in Kenyan suppliers in 2025, strengthening local enterprises, jobs, and sustainable economic growth.