Dangote Expands East African Investments, Acquires Pollman’s Tours, Java House

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has broadened his investment footprint in East Africa through two high-profile acquisitions: Pollman’s Tours and Safaris, Kenya’s oldest and most prominent tour operator, and Java House, the region’s largest coffeehouse and casual dining chain.

The acquisitions, valued at over $31 million combined, were made through Alterra Capital Partners, a private equity firm co-founded by Dangote and American billionaire David Rubenstein.

The moves signal a strategic push by Dangote to tap into the booming East African tourism and hospitality sectors.

In a landmark deal, Africa Travel Investments, a subsidiary linked to Alterra Capital Partners, acquired Pollman’s Tours and Safaris for approximately $31 million.

Established in 1950, Pollman’s is one of Kenya’s most iconic tour operators, renowned for its safari packages and luxury travel services across East Africa.

The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) approved the acquisition earlier this month, affirming that the transaction would not harm market competition.

With more than 300 licensed tour companies operating in Kenya, CAK noted that Pollman’s does not control a dominant share, and the deal would not lead to market distortion.

In a positive development for employees, CAK also confirmed that no job losses would result from the acquisition.

“This investment underlines our commitment to Africa’s growing tourism industry and our belief in Kenya as a premier travel destination,” a spokesperson for Africa Travel Investments said following the approval.

Earlier in January, Alterra Capital Partners, in collaboration with Phatisa Group, acquired Java House from UK-based private equity firm Actis Capital. The acquisition included Java House’s expansive network of 73 outlets across Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, encompassing popular brands such as Java House, Kukito, Planet Yogurt, and 360 Degrees Artisan Pizza.

Founded in Nairobi in 1999, Java House has become a cornerstone of East Africa’s café and casual dining culture.

The deal represents the chain’s fourth change in ownership in just over a decade, signaling its strong market appeal and potential for growth under new management.

“Java House fits perfectly into our vision of building a portfolio of leading consumer-facing brands that can serve Africa’s fast-growing middle class,” Alterra Capital said in a joint statement with Phatisa.

These back-to-back acquisitions underscore Dangote’s strategic diversification beyond his core industries of cement, sugar, and oil refining. By investing in travel and hospitality, he is building a pan-African consumer ecosystem, positioning his portfolio to benefit from the continent’s demographic growth, rising disposable incomes, and expanding urban centers.

Industry experts view these investments as a key indicator of shifting dynamics in African finance, with African billionaires increasingly driving intra-African investment.

“This is African capital backing African enterprise,” said a regional investment analyst. “It’s a positive sign for job creation, economic integration, and long-term value creation.”

As both Pollman’s and Java House begin new chapters under Dangote-backed leadership, stakeholders across the region will be watching closely to see how the billionaire’s influence shapes East Africa’s tourism and hospitality landscape.