Nairobi, Kenya- Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, is making waves in Kenya again—this time, in the heart of its tourism sector.
His investment firm, Africa Travels Investment, has officially acquired Pollman’s Tours and Safaris, one of Kenya’s most iconic and long-standing tour operators.
The deal, greenlit by the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK), marks a major milestone in Kenya’s evolving tourism and investment landscape.
And here’s the twist: it’s not just Dangote behind the curtain. This move was orchestrated by Alterra Capital Partners, a private equity fund co-owned by Dangote and American billionaire David Rubenstein—best known as the co-founder of The Carlyle Group.
If you’re worried about competition or job losses, breathe easy. The CAK assured stakeholders that the acquisition won’t ruffle the competitive waters of the industry. In fact, since the two companies weren’t direct rivals, the market dynamics remain intact.
“This approval has been granted based on the finding that the transaction is unlikely to negatively impact competition,” the Authority said in a public statement. “There will be no change in market share… and no negative public interest concerns were identified.”
Pollman’s isn’t the only Kenyan gem Alterra has its eyes on. The fund recently initiated a deal to acquire Java House, one of East Africa’s largest coffee chains—a move signaling a strategic dive into Kenya’s thriving consumer and service sectors.
The tourism acquisition aligns with a broader trend: the increasing desire of ultra-wealthy investors to plug into Kenya’s fast-growing economy, fueled by digital innovation, easing inflation, and proactive monetary policy.
According to a 2025 projection by the African Development Bank (AfDB), Kenya’s GDP growth is expected to gain momentum, driven by reforms such as interest rate cuts by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and an emphasis on digitization.
Dangote’s Enduring Streak and Kenya’s Allure
With a net worth estimated at $23.2 billion, Dangote has held onto his crown as Africa’s richest man for 14 years straight. But the Nigerian billionaire isn’t just hoarding titles—he’s diversifying his empire.
His pivot to Kenyan tourism reflects a savvy bet on a sector still recovering from pandemic shocks but ripe with potential.
And when billionaires from two continents team up to buy into safaris and coffee shops, you know something big is brewing.
For Kenya, this acquisition is more than a corporate handshake—it’s a sign that global investors see value in its future.
With heavyweight capital flowing into heritage tourism and lifestyle brands, the country is carving out a space not just as a travel destination, but as a compelling economic frontier.
Whether you’re sipping Java coffee or cruising through the Mara with Pollman’s, there’s a new billionaire footprint on the trail—and it’s leaving a mark.
