Our History
We are proud of our history
What was once a small trading business, established in 1825 and conducted painstakingly on annual dhow voyages between India and East Africa, has blossomed into a highly respected and diversified group.
A legacy of progress and innovation.
Over the years, the group has spanned broad business interests in trading, agriculture, real estate, energy, and mobility. Today, the pioneering spirit remains as we constantly expand, innovate and move forward.
Early 1800s – Map of Africa
1818
Jivanjee Budhabhoy arrived in Zanzibar from Mandvi in Kutch, India.
Early 1800s – Traditional Dhow
1825
Jivanjee Budhabhoy & Co. was registered in Zanzibar. The business exported silk, beeswax and food commodities from East Africa to India.
A sketch of Stone Town showing the old fort and palace from the year 1871 to the year 1875.
1861
Karimjee Jivanjee expanded the trading empire under the brand Karimjee Jivanjee & Co.
Sir Yusafali Karimjee, Mohamedali Karimjee Jivanjee & Sir Tayabali Karimjee with international visitors.
1883
Karimjee Jivanjee & Co. began expansion by opening offices in Pemba (1883), Madagascar (1883), Bombay (1895), Mombasa (1915), Dar es Salaam (1921), and Tanga (1922).
Tanzania Sisal Authority (TASMA) warehouse
1922
After WWI formerly German-owned agricultural estates in Tanganyika were put up for sale. Karimjee family purchased 5 sisal estates between 1922-24, with a total area of over 20,000 hectares. Other estate crops included tea, coffee, cashew, coconut, and fruit.
International Motor Mart Ltd., Sokoine Drive
1927
International Motor Mart Ltd (IMM) commenced business, becoming the agents for British & American automotive companies such as the Roots Group, Nash Motors, and Triumph Motors.
Princess Margaret in Tanga
1947
Princess Margaret visited the Karimjee Sisal Estate in Tanga as part of her royal tour in East Africa
Donating Karimjee Hall to the City of Dar es Salaam
1955
Karimjee Hall was donated to the City of Dar es Salaam by the Karimjee Family to be used as the 1st House of Parliament.
Abdulkarim Y.A. Karimjee presiding over Tanganyika Independence Ceremony
1961
Abdulkarim Y.A. Karimjee served as Speaker of the Tanganyika Legislative Council from 1956 - 1962.
Hatim Karimjee & John Sakai of TTC
1965
The Karimjee family became an independent distributor for Toyota in Tanzania.
Early 1900s - Karimi Tea Estate - Monga, Tanga
1977
Karimi Tea Estates achieved its highest production of tea, producing 1.5 million kgs.
Nyerere Road showroom in the late 1980s.
1988
Aggressive network growth began with the Nyerere Road expansion and the Arusha branch opening. Over the next 3 decades, the network grew from 7 to 30 points of sale.
Hatim & Mahmood Karimjee with President Jakaya Kikwete, members of TTC Executive and the author.
2010
The Karimjee family Book, by Gijsbert Oonk, was launched.
SFL offers leasing and fleet solutions.
2012
The Karimjee family launched their leasing arm, Salute Finance Ltd.
Toyota Tanzania Management, with the sales and support staff.
2015
The Karimjee family celebrated 50 years as an independent distributor of Toyota in Tanzania.
Inauguration of the new Toyota showroom by Japanese Ambassador H.E. Masaharu Yoshida.
2016
The new Toyota showroom was opened on Nyerere Road in Dar es Salaam.
2023 “Best Distributor Africa” Award
2023
Toyota Tanzania named as Best Distributor in Africa.
Auto Inc. launch at Samora branch
2024
Karimjee Group launched Auto Inc., endorsed by Team Toyota.
Bawe Island Resort
2024
Karimjee Group launched Bawe Island Resort in partnership with Cocoon Collection.
Rishad Karimjee addresses employees at the 200th anniversary celebration
2025
Karimjee Group celebrates its 200th anniversary in Tanzania.
Beginnings
The story begins when Jivanjee Budhabhoy left Mandvi in Kutch, India, to seek his fortune abroad. After a long journey by dhow, he arrived in Zanzibar and began trading between Zanzibar and his home. Jivanjee Budhabhoy & Co. was registered in 1825.
Merchant princes
By 1861, Karimjee Jivanjee & Co. was registered in Zanzibar, and the company began exporting Tanzanian products to the world and bringing global markets to Tanzania. By 1880, the company was trading with Ceylon, Kenya, Mauritius, Japan, China, the UK, Germany and other European countries.
White gold
The next step in the journey was to the mainland, where Agriculture, specifically sisal, drives the growth of the economy and companies. The business grew and spread to Tanga, where the Karimjee family entered the estate business and became one of the biggest producers of sisal in the world.
Public service
With good fortune comes responsibility. Between trading and agriculture, the Karimjee family financed schools and hospitals and entered into public service. The family was honoured to donate Karimjee Hall to the city of Dar es Salaam to be used as the First House of Parliament.
Toyota Tanzania
In 1965, the Karimjee family started selling Toyota cars in Tanzania as an independent distributor. This relationship has evolved to where we are today, with multiple offerings beyond car sales in the Automotive sector, such as spare parts, insurance and various other products and services throughout the value chain. In 2025, the Karimjee group is thrilled to celebrate 60 years of this special partnership.
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