In the world of entrepreneurship, few stories are as compelling and inspirational as that of Ashish Thakkar. Born in Leicester, United Kingdom, Thakkar’s life has been a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting Africa.
As an East African entrepreneur, he has made indelible marks on the continent through his ventures, Mara Group and Mara Foundation, and his co-founding of Atlas Mara Limited. Thakkar’s journey from a young refugee to a celebrated global business leader is a story of perseverance and vision.
Early Life and Education of Ashish Thakkar: A Journey Marked by Adversity
Ashish Thakkar’s roots trace back to the Indian state of Gujarat. His family emigrated to Africa in the 1890s, eventually settling in Uganda. However, the political turmoil under Idi Amin in the 1970s forced the Thakkar family to move to the United Kingdom.
Born in Leicester in 1981, Ashish Thakkar spent his early years at Rushey Mead School. His family’s journey took another dramatic turn when they moved to Rwanda, only to be displaced again by the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Seeking refuge in Burundi and finally settling in Uganda, the Thakkar family’s resilience in the face of adversity profoundly influenced Ashish’s outlook on life.
At the age of 15, Ashish Thakkar dropped out of school and borrowed $5,000 to start his first business. This bold step marked the beginning of what would become an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey.
The Birth of Mara Group: A Vision for Africa
In 1996, Ashish Thakkar founded Mara Group. Starting with importing computer parts from Dubai to Uganda, Thakkar’s business acumen quickly became evident. His initial venture involved selling computer components, but his vision extended far beyond.
Over the next decade, Mara Group diversified into various sectors, including manufacturing, real estate, agriculture, and IT services. Thakkar’s relentless drive and strategic thinking allowed him to expand Mara Group’s operations across 22 African countries.
Atlas Mara: A Bold Venture into African Banking
In 2013, Thakkar, in partnership with Bob Diamond, former CEO of Barclays, launched Atlas Mara. The company aimed to invest in commercial banking institutions across Africa.
Their collaboration, born from their respective foundations, Mara Foundation and the Diamond Family Foundation, raised $325 million in initial funding. Atlas Mara was listed on the London Stock Exchange, symbolizing a significant step towards enhancing financial services across the continent.
Mara Foundation: Empowering Young African Entrepreneurs
In 2009, Ashish Thakkar founded Mara Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to mentoring and supporting young African entrepreneurs. The foundation’s flagship initiative, Mara Mentor, is a mobile application that connects aspiring entrepreneurs with seasoned business professionals. This platform has been instrumental in fostering a new generation of African innovators and leaders.
Global Recognition and Influence
Thakkar’s contributions to entrepreneurship and economic development have earned him numerous accolades and positions of influence. He is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders and was included in Fortune magazine’s “40 Under 40” list in 2013.
In 2014, Ashish Thakkar received the Base Leadership Award at the MTV Africa Music Awards. Esquire named him Middle East Man of the Year in 2016, further highlighting his global impact.
In 2015, Ashish Thakkar was appointed Chair of the United Nations Foundation’s Global Entrepreneurs Council. Two years later, he was named Chair of the Presidential Youth Advisory Group at the African Development Bank. These roles reflect his commitment to leveraging entrepreneurship for social and economic change.
Advocacy and Public Engagement
Ashish Thakkar’s influence extends beyond business. He has been an active participant in various global forums, advocating for entrepreneurship as a means to achieve sustainable development. In June 2014, he participated in the “Global Accelerator” event hosted by the United Nations Foundation and the United Nations Office for Partnerships.
Thakkar engaged with over 100 entrepreneurs and UN officials, including notable figures like Michael Dell, Barbara Bush, and Arianna Huffington.
Thakkar also played a significant role in the US-Africa summit hosted by the White House in August 2014. His collaboration with former U.S. President Bill Clinton underscored his dedication to fostering strong ties between the United States and Africa.
Additionally, Thakkar has been involved in the UN Women Initiative and was a guest speaker at the Emirates Foundation Youth Philanthropy Summit in November 2014.
The Lion Awakes: A Testament to Africa’s Economic Potential
Ashish Thakkar’s book, The Lion Awakes: Adventures in Africa’s Economic Miracle, encapsulates his vision for the continent. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Thakkar narrates Africa’s journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse. His book serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and a testament to the untapped potential within Africa.
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