Rostam Abdulrasul Aziz is a Tanzanian billionaire businessman, investor, and former politician. He is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest and most influential entrepreneurs in East Africa. Known for his business acumen and bold investments, especially in telecom and energy, Rostam Aziz’s story is one of vision, power, and strategic growth.

Early Life & Education

Rostam Aziz was born on August 21, 1960, in Igunga, located in Tanzania’s Tabora Region. From an early age, he showed strong interest in economics and business.

He pursued his higher education in the United Kingdom, where he earned a degree in Economics from the University of Exeter. This foundation helped shape his understanding of global finance and set the tone for his future investments.

Political Career

In 1994, Rostam entered politics and was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Igunga constituency, a position he held for 17 years until his resignation in 2011. During his time in office:

• He helped provide community health insurance to local families.

• Introduced electrification projects in every ward.

• Supported clean water access and built health centers in underserved areas.

He was also a key figure in the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, where he served as National Treasurer and a member of the powerful Central Committee (Politburo).

Despite stepping away from politics, his legacy in Igunga continues to speak volumes.

Rise in Business

Rostam Aziz’s true influence lies in the world of business. He made a name for himself by diversifying across several high-value sectors:

Telecommunications

• He was one of the major shareholders in Vodacom Tanzania, where he once held up to 35% ownership.

• In 2014 and 2019, he sold his stakes—reportedly earning hundreds of millions of dollars, including a final sale worth around $220 million.

Energy & Gas (Taifa Gas)

• He is the founder of Taifa Gas, the largest liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distributor in Tanzania.

• The company is rapidly expanding into Kenya, with storage terminals and distribution centers in key cities.

• Through Taifa, he has also entered the aviation industry, acquiring Coastal Travels under Taifa Aviation.

Other Ventures

• Owns stakes in Caspian Mining, a key player in East Africa’s mining services sector.

• Has investments in leather, agriculture, real estate, and media across Tanzania, Oman, Dubai, and beyond.

Net Worth (2025 Estimate)

Rostam Aziz is often referred to as Tanzania’s first U.S. dollar billionaire.

• His net worth is estimated at $1 billion or more, depending on his current asset valuation.

• Much of his wealth comes from telecom, energy, mining, and strategic real estate holdings.

• His business empire continues to grow through aggressive expansion and smart partnerships.

Legacy & Impact

• As a politician, he focused on real development—healthcare, power, and infrastructure.

• As a businessman, he helped shape Tanzania’s telecom and gas markets.

• Through Taifa Gas, he is also leading clean energy adoption in East Africa.

• His entrepreneurial journey is an inspiration for emerging African investors.

Despite his success, Rostam Aziz maintains a relatively private life and prefers to let his businesses and projects speak for him.

Final Thoughts

From Parliament to the boardroom, Rostam Aziz has redefined what it means to be a business titan in East Africa. His ability to navigate politics and enterprise, while building a billion-dollar fortune, places him among the most powerful figures on the continent.

As he continues expanding his footprint across Africa, especially in energy and logistics, Rostam Aziz is shaping the future—not just of Tanzania, but of African industry as a whole.