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.

  • 1818
  • 1825
  • 1861
  • 1883
  • 1922
  • 1927
  • 1947
  • 1955
  • 1961
  • 1965
  • 1977
  • 1988
  • 2010
  • 2012
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2023
  • 2024
  • 2024
  • 2025

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.