Aliko Dangote, Africa's richest man, has backed the acquisition of Kenya's oldest tour company, Pollman's Tours and Safaris, through Alterra Capital, a private equity firm. This move marks a significant investment in Kenya's tourism sector, with Dangote and fellow billionaire David Rubenstein aiming to expand their presence in the industry.
*Key Details of the Acquisition:*
- *Partners Involved*: Aliko Dangote and American billionaire David Rubenstein
- *Company Acquired*: Pollman's Tours and Safaris, Kenya's oldest tour company
- *Firm Executing Acquisition*: Alterra Capital, a private equity firm
- *Regulatory Approval*: The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has cleared the deal, stating it won't impact market competition or jobs
- *Market Structure*: Kenya's tour operator market has over 300 active players, ensuring no single company dominates the market ¹ ²
*Dangote's Expansion in Africa:*
- *Ghana Sugar Refinery*: Dangote recently launched a massive sugar refinery project in Ghana, capable of processing 12,000 tons of sugarcane daily
- *Dangote Cement Operations*: Operates in 10 African countries, including Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and South Africa
- *Petroleum Exports*: Dangote has exported petroleum products to Saudi Arabia, North America, and Turkey since launching his oil refinery
This acquisition reflects the growing interest in Kenya's tourism sector and Dangote's continued expansion across Africa ¹ ³.