Nigerian cannabis mogul Bassim Haidar gives $0.38-million boost to UK political party

Nigerian-Lebanese cannabis mogul Bassim Haidar has made a generous donation of £300,000 ($380,000) to the Conservative Party, one of the main political parties in the United Kingdom.

This substantial contribution adds to his prior financial support for the Tories, including a donation of £323,780 ($411,300) in 2023 and £75,000 ($95,300) to the London mayoral candidate Moz Hossain.

Electoral Commission statistics also reveal that Haidar extended his support in a non-monetary form, providing a non-cash gift valued at £10,000 for advertising to Tory Member of Parliament Lee Anderson in November 2023.

This move positions Haidar as the second Nigerian businessman to contribute significantly to the UK Conservative Party, following in the footsteps of billionaire Kola Karim’s £50,000 ($65,000) donation in the first quarter of 2023. He now joins a distinguished list of donors, including Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour and Indonesian polyester mogul Amit Lohia.

Haidar: Global business titan across fintech, technology, and more

Haidar, recognized as a leading entrepreneur and global business leader, has made a mark across various sectors, including fintech, technology, telecoms, logistics, energy, engineering, and medicinal cannabis.

At just 20 years old, he founded his first company, and today, he leads a multisector conglomerate with operations spanning Africa and the Middle East, boasting revenues exceeding $1.6 billion.

In 2003, Haidar founded Channel IT, a telecom business addressing Nigeria’s growing connectivity needs. The company now operates in 19 countries, providing vital infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East.

From superyachts to medicinal cannabis: Haidar’s multifaceted business empire expands Globally

Known for his opulent lifestyle, Haidar reportedly acquired a £20-million ($25.4 million) five-bedroom property behind Sloane Square in Central London in May 2023. His collection of luxurious assets includes superyachts and high-end vehicles, showcasing his success in the business world.

Haidar’s latest focus is on SafriCanna, a South African-based medicinal cannabis company. The company funds extensive research and development, conducts clinical trials, and exports its products globally, reaching countries such as Germany, Israel, and Australia.