Mohammed “Mo” Ibrahim is the wealthiest man out of Sudan. In 1998, Ibrahim founded Celtel International, one of the first mobile phone companies serving Africa and the Middle East. He sold Celtel to Kuwait’s Mobile Telecommunications Company for $3.4 billion in 2005 and personally netted $1.4 billion. Since then, Ibrahim has channeled his focus towards fighting corrupt leadership in Africa through the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Ibrahim has also reinvested a significant portion of his wealth through Satya Capital, a family office cum private equity fund that invests in African businesses with a view of preserving his wealth for the benefit of future generations.
Here are 10 investments Ibrahim holds through Satya Capital.
Wilderness Holdings is a holding company of ecotourism businesses. It owns Wilderness Safaris and the Governors’ Camp Collection, which operate camps and safaris in some of Africa’s top wildlife and wilderness locations spanning seven countries: Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Cellulant
Cellulant is Africa’s leading mobile payments company. The company operates in 11 countries, partnering with 94 banks and seven mobile platforms. They cater to tens of millions of customers, offering interoperable financial services and mobile banking that aid the unbanked and boost local businesses.
TRACE
TRACE is a worldwide media and entertainment entity that engages with diverse audiences by offering top-tier Afro-urban music and content. With 21 pay TV channels, radio stations, films, online, and mobile services, it reaches more than 200 million viewers and listeners across over 160 countries. Established in 2003 after purchasing a print magazine with the same name, TRACE has emerged as the premier media brand for the digitally connected urban youth in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, France, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean.
Ecoles Yassamine
Founded in 1986, Ecoles Yassamine is the largest network of schools in Morocco and Tunisia. It has eleven campuses, more than 6,000 students, and over 700 teachers and support staff.
Hygeia Nigeria Limited
Hygeia is one of Nigeria’s largest comprehensive healthcare providers. It owns hospitals in Lagos and two health insurance subsidiaries: Hygeia HMO (Health Management Organization) and Hygeia Community Health Plan. Hygeia HMO is a health maintenance organization that serves more than 400,000 members from over 250 corporate clients. Hygeia HMO collaborates with a large network of more than 1,200 providers nationwide.
Ison BPO
Ison BPO is Africa’s largest independent call center operator, with a presence in ten Anglophone and Francophone countries, as well as a significant presence in India. It services 100 million users for clients in telecommunications, government, and retail and employs 6,000 people, 3,400 of whom are in Africa, offering voice and CRM process solutions.
O3b Networks Limited
O3b is a Global Satellite Services Provider with a satellite network that combines satellite reach with fiber speed.
Chemi Cotex Industries Limited
Chemi & Cotex Industries Limited, a Tanzanian company, is a leading FMCG business in East Africa. The company manufactures tootpaste, cosmetics and food products marketed under various brand names and distributed across East Africa.
Guaranty Trust Bank plc is a leading Nigerian bank with subsidiaries in numerous African countries and the United Kingdom.
