Azam rises from scratch to empire

DAR ES SALAAM: BAKHRESA Group, founded just half a century ago, has risen from humble beginnings to become a manufacturing giant in Eastern and Central Africa, with annual revenues of 1.0 billion US dollars.

The company’s journey began in 1975 on Livingstone Street in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam, when founder Mr Salim Said Bakhresa purchased  Azam restaurant —laying the foundation for what would become the Bakhresa Group empire— wheat flour, sugar, bottled water to soft drinks.

Bakhresa Group’s Head of Public Relations, Mr Hussein Sufian detailed the manufacturer iconic journey yesterday when unveiling its 50 years golden jubilee’s logo in Dar es Salaam, reflecting years of success.

“In half a century, the company has undergone remarkable diversification,” Mr Sufian said on Tuesday, adding it has grown its workforce from about 10 to 15 people to 10,000 jobs in Tanzania alone and 10,000 more all direct jobs in other countries where it operates: “The company was founded on Said Salim Bakhresa’s bold vision, brought to life through the dedication and collaboration of his employees.

He said growing a business over 50 years is not easy, especially when many other businesses across the country fail within just one or two years of starting.

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“We take this momentous opportunity to celebrate our successes and encourage others to follow suit,” Mr Sufian said.

He said Bakhresa Group will continue to share experience with other local investors, entrepreneurs and students in tertiary institutions aspiring to build up another international conglomerates in the country in pursuit of Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda.

Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Suleiman Serera, commended Bakhresa Group for positioning itself as a regional brand representing Tanzania.

“Azam goes beyond advertising business to advertising Tanzania,” Dr Serera said, who was chief guest.

Also, he assured all investors of a friendly business atmosphere as the country strengthens efforts to build a robust private sector to drive industrialisation.

Bakhresa Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ali Mukadam, said as the company marks its 50th anniversary, it honours its accomplishments and embraces the future with the latest innovations to continue producing high-quality goods.

“It is not the end of the journey but the beginning,” Mr Mukadam said.

He thanked the government for its continued support and commitment to creating a conducive investment environment that fosters business growth.

Meanwhile, Bakhresa Group’s Marketing Director, Mr Ahmed Jarwan, said the company stands as a tangible legacy in the country’s history, reflecting their significant contributions to the manufacturing sector through the production of high-quality products.