Said Salim Awadh Bakhresa is a Tanzanian businessman behind some of the biggest companies in Tanzania and the East African region.
He chairs the Bakhresa Group, a family-controlled industrial conglomerate involved in agribusiness, beverages, logistics, media, oil trading, recycling, and packaging.
In this article, WOA takes a closer look at the net worth, businesses, property, and profile of the self-made billionaire.
Said Salim Awadh Bakhresa’s net worth
Salim Bakhresa’s net worth is said to exceed $600 million as of 2024, making him one of the richest individuals in Africa.
He is the chairman of the Bakhresa Group, whose revenues exceed $1 billion, with over 8, 000 employees.
The group operates the following companies:
- Azam Food Products Limited: Produces and markets the Azam and Uhai brands, which include a variety of food and beverage products.
- Azam Bakeries Company Limited (ABCL)
- Azam TV
- Azam Media
- Hotel Verde Zanzibar: A luxury resort and spa
- AzamPay Tanzania Limited: Specializes in online payment solutions for businesses.
- Azam Marine Limited: Designs premium ferries and facilitates freight and vehicle delivery services.
- Azam Aviation: Offers charter services
- Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries Limited: Provides passenger and freight services to regions like Zanzibar, Pemba, and Tanga.
- Azam Upholstery Company Limited: Delivers restoration and upgrade solutions for aircraft, yachts, vehicles, and leather furniture.
- Azam Digital Broadcasting Limited: Manages and maintains the network and infrastructure for both DTH and DTT platforms.
- Azam Sports & Marina: Offers entertainment programs and boat rentals for exploring various islands.
- United Group Limited / United Petroleum: Specializes in acquiring and supplying petroleum products.
Aside from these companies, the Bakhresa Group runs other companies in Mozambique, South Africa, Mauritius, Malawi, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zanzibar.
Success Journey
Salim Awadh Bakhresa was born in 1949 and spent his formative years on the island of Zanzibar before relocating to Dar es Salaam.
He is the epitome of the Latin proverb “If the wind will not serve, take to the oars.”
Bakhresa had a humble beginning and did not pursue formal education beyond the age of 14. After relocating to Dar es Salaam from Zanzibar, he opened a shoe repair shop in 1968.
His entrepreneurial spirit sparked him to pursue other ventures, becoming a potato mix salesperson and an ice cream parlor.
In 1975, he saved some money and started a small restaurant named Azam, which means ‘greatness’ in Arabic.
Within three decades, Azam grew to become a global conglomerate encompassing over 20 companies across Africa.
Salim Awadh Bakhresa Family
Salim Awadh Bakhresa is married to Fathiya Bakhresa. The couple have six sons: Mohamed Said Salim Bakhresa, Omar Said Salim Bakhresa, Abubakar Said Salim Bakhresa, Yusuf Said Salim Bakhresa,
Additionally, Said Salim Bakhresa has a daughter, Mariam Said Salim Bakhresa. Unfortunately, his son Khalid Said Salim Bakhresa passed away in 2007.
His sons are all executive directors of Bakhresa’s numerous companies, where they are the majority shareholders.
Said Salim Bakhresa’s scandals
Like most billionaires, Said Salim Awadh Bakhresa has faced several allegations that have challenged the integrity of his business operations.
For instance, in 2016, Africa Intelligence reported that Bakhresa was implicated in a tax fraud investigation by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).
He was under scrutiny alongside fellow billionaire Mohammed Dewji for suspected fraudulent activities related to their import-export operations.
This investigation was part of a broader initiative by President John Magufuli’s administration aimed at reducing state spending and increasing tax compliance among large corporations
Despite these controversies, Bakhresa has maintained a significant presence in the East African market, with his conglomerate being one of the largest in Tanzania.
