President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s pro-business agenda and her iconic 4Rs doctrine are said to contribute in transforming the country into an economic powerhouse and a destination of choice by investors.

The 4Rs stands for reconciliation, resilience, reforms and rebuilding.

Ziad El Khalil, Executive Director of SBC Tanzania Ltd made the remarks over the weekend when speaking at a farewell party for the company’s departing CEO and Director Avinash Jha. 

He also introduced the new CEO, Paul Richards who has taken over from Avinash, effective August 1st 2024.

“Tanzania has been an incredible host to our company and the entire business sector, providing a pro-business environment that has allowed companies like ours to thrive. The partnership between public and private sectors has been a model of success. This partnership has never been stronger than it is now with the current administration led by the President Samia,” he said, adding: “We are grateful for the support and cooperation that has been extended to us over the years by the government and all its state institutions.”

He said the company, being amongst the top 20 taxpayers in Tanzania has since its inception paid over 750bn/- in taxes to the sovereign cut across various categories such as Net VAT, import duty, excise, payroll and income taxes.

“We have proudly increased headcount for full time jobs almost threefold from 545 full time family members in 2001 to 1350 in 2024 and part timers from 350 in 2001 to almost 1500 in 2024. We have created hundreds of thousands of commercial opportunities for individuals and small and medium enterprises to trade with our products across Tanzania,” he said.

El Khalil said the departing CEO—Avinash’s joined the company in January 2001, a journey marked by dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

From his early days in 2001 as a Plant manager in Arusha, to his rise to Finance Controller in Dar Es Salaam in 2003, then to Chief Financial Officer in 2006 and ultimately to Chief Executive Officer in 2014 and later invited to join the board of SBC in 2015, Avinash has been a driving force behind SBC’s success, who have grown the 2001 sales volume 25 times in 23 years.

His strategic insight and financial acumen, coupled with his ability to inspire and lead, have transformed the company into what it is today.