Rostam Aziz

Rostam Abdulrasul Aziz (sometimes spelled Azizi) is a Tanzanian businessman, economist and former politician. In 2013, according to Forbes Magazine he was the first Tanzanian dollar billionaire with a net worth of over 10 billion dollars, and according to Henley & Partners Africa wealth report 2022, was the only dollar billionaire in East Africa. Quotes In a recent interview, Aziz emphasized that while foreign direct investment is essential—especially in capital-heavy sectors like offshore gas exploration—true nation-building depends on empowering domestic firms. “Every country needs foreign investors,” he said, “but real nation-building happens when local investors are given priority. No Tanzanian company can handle that level of extraction today,” he said. “In such cases, foreign capital is necessary in the national interest. If we don't prioritise our own investors, we risk watching all the money leave the country,” he warned. “Public funds must circulate locally to build stronger companies that can compete globally. No investor will invest in a country where if a case is sent to Kisutu (courts), a leader can call and instruct the courts what to do. Because I recognize and respect the status and constitutional responsibility of the Court, I would like to say the following. I would like to assure the public that when I was talking about investment, it was not my intention to disrespect the Court. A strong advocate for private sector-led growth and African ownership in strategic industries, he has built scalable businesses that contribute to inclusive economic development. As a founding investor in Vodacom Tanzania, he played a key role in expanding connectivity and introducing mobile financial services such as M-Pesa, advancing financial inclusion. He continues this work through Yas Tanzania, driving digital innovation and access. In energy, he has expanded access to cleaner solutions through Taifa Gas and strengthened local ownership with the acquisition of Pan African Energy Tanzania. In mining, he oversees Williamson Diamonds Limited, globally recognised for rare pink diamonds, and has investments in leading media groups across East Africa. Rostam Azizi of Tanzania owns nearly 18% of Vodacom Tanzania, the country's largest mobile phone company, with 10 million subscribers. In May 2014 he sold 17% of Vodacom Tanzania to Vodacom Group of South Africa for an estimated $250 million. He also owns Caspian mining, a contract mining firm in Tanzania, and real estate in Dubai and Oman. Azizi got his start in his family's trading business and then branched out on his own. External links