Africa’s Richest Man Aliko Dangote Acquires Kenyan Tour Firm in Sh4bn Deal

Africa’s wealthiest businessman, Aliko Dangote, has expanded his investment footprint in Kenya with the acquisition of one of the country’s oldest tour operators in a transaction valued at approximately Sh4 billion (about $31 million).

The acquisition was completed in May 2025 through a private equity vehicle backed by Dangote and several global investors. The target of the deal was Pollman’s Tours and Safaris Ltd, a well‑established travel company known for organising guided safaris and holiday packages across East Africa.

Industry sources familiar with the deal say the purchase marks a significant investment by Dangote‑affiliated firm Alterra Capital Partners into Kenya’s booming tourism sector, which has seen a resurgence in visitor numbers and increased revenue in recent years.

Pollman’s Tours, which has been operating for decades and commands a strong reputation among global tour operators, is expected to benefit from fresh capital and strategic direction under the new ownership.

The deal represents Dangote’s second high‑profile investment in the Kenyan market in recent years, following his involvement in a separate acquisition in the hospitality and food‑service sector.

While the exact plans for Pollman’s under Dangote’s control remain under wraps, analysts believe the move could stimulate growth in the tourism segment and create more opportunities for local partners and service providers.

Aliko Dangote, who is widely recognised for his leadership of the Dangote Group—Africa’s largest industrial conglomerate—is also involved in major infrastructure and manufacturing projects across the continent.