What was meant to be a short visit turned into a lifetime of opportunity, shaping one of Rwanda’s enduring entrepreneurial stories.
For Salim Abdulghani, a Pakistani-born businessman and now chairman and CEO of Abdulgani and Sons Ltd, Rwanda was never part of a long-term plan.
Yet more than three decades later, the country has become both home and the foundation of a diversified business empire spanning distribution, logistics, retail, and real estate.
Speaking to The Dawn, Salim reflects on a journey defined by resilience, adaptability, and a deep belief in Rwanda’s potential.
Born in Burundi to Pakistani parents, Salim arrived in Rwanda over 32 years ago for what he describes as a brief visit.
That decision, initially temporary, would ultimately reshape his life and career.
After completing his education and beginning his professional life in Burundi, he found himself drawn to the opportunities emerging in Rwanda, choosing to stay and build a future there.
Before venturing into business, Salim gained experience working with different companies in roles ranging from sales and marketing to public relations.
This early exposure, he explains, gave him a practical understanding of the market and helped shape his entrepreneurial instincts.
His first step into business came in 1997 with a modest clothing shop, importing garments from Europe.
What began as a small retail operation gradually expanded as he identified new opportunities within the local market.
Over time, the business diversified into clothing lines for men, women, and children, before moving into the food industry.
By 2002, Salim had entered the fast-food sector, launching some of the earliest outlets of their kind in Kigali.
The venture grew successfully over nearly a decade, reflecting both rising urban demand and his ability to adapt to changing consumer trends.
However, rather than remaining in one sector, he shifted focus once again this time toward distribution. That transition proved pivotal.
Through Abdul Ghani and Sons and its subsidiaries including AK Group, Fruit Imports, and Amy’s Candy Ltd Salim expanded into the importation and distribution of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), logistics services, and retail.
More recently, the group has also ventured into real estate, further broadening its footprint in Rwanda’s economy.
Rwanda as land of opportunities Today, his enterprises represent a dynamic and evolving business portfolio, built on an ability to respond to market shifts while maintaining longterm strategic direction.
For Salim, Rwanda’s appeal goes beyond business. He describes it as a country where structure, governance, and accountability create space for genuine entrepreneurs to grow.
“Rwanda is the ideal place to work,” he says, pointing to the country’s regulatory environment and rule of law as key enablers of business success.
He emphasises that growth in Rwanda is closely tied to trust and integrity. “We have grown significantly because we trust what we do, and our clients trust us too,” he explains, adding that patience and adherence to rules are essential for sustainable progress.
With more than two decades of experience in trade and distribution, Salim highlights discipline and strong internal systems as critical to business longevity.
He notes that behind every successful enterprise is a wellmanaged back office capable of handling projections, minimising losses, and maintaining quality standards.
At the same time, he underscores the importance of continuous learning and mentorship.
Through engagements with institutions such as the Pakistan High Commission, he has shared his experience with aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly young people seeking to enter the business world. “Business is tough, but with the right approach and trust, you can succeed,” he says.
Beyond his commercial success, Salim has also played a role in strengthening ties between Rwanda and the Pakistani community.
As one of the founders and former vise- chairman of the Pakistan Association of Rwanda, he contributed to initiatives that extended beyond business, including registering the association with national authorities, supporting healthcare through ambulance donations, and providing health insurance to vulnerable communities.
“We believe in supporting the community that supports us,” he says, reflecting a broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and community engagement.
Outside the boardroom, Salim maintains a strong connection to Rwanda’s social and cultural life.
He remains active in sports, particularly football and motorsports, and was among the early figures involved in establishing the Automobile Club in Rwanda.
His passion for motorsports continues, even as he now focuses more on family time and exploring the country’s landscapes.
As Rwanda continues its development trajectory, he remains confident in its future, stressing that patience, trust, and hard work remain the foundations for anyone seeking to succeed.
