Nation Media Group takeover: Azizi pledges media transformation in East Africa

The new majority shareholder of Nation Media Group, Tanzanian Rostam Azizi, during a press briefing at Serena Hotel in Nairobi/EZEKIEL AMING'A

Tanzanian billionaire Rostam Azizi has pledged to transform the media landscape in East Africa following the announcement that his Taifa Group will acquire a majority stake in Nation Media Group (NMG).

The deal, a significant ownership changes in the regional media industry in recent history, will see Azizi’s investment vehicle, Taarifa Limited, take control of 92,618,177 ordinary shares in NMG, representing 54.08 per cent of the company’s issued share capital.

Addressing a press conference, Azizi said the acquisition represents a pivotal moment not only for his own investment journey but also for the future of journalism and information sharing in the East African region.

“After careful reflection, extensive professional consultations and a comprehensive assessment of the opportunities emerging in the global digital economy, I have reached an important decision,” Azizi said in a statement announcing the deal.

“Today, I am pleased to announce a strategic investment in Nation Media Group PLC, one of the most respected media institutions on the African continent.”

Founded in 1959 and long associated with the philanthropic vision of Aga Khan IV and the Aga Khan Development Network, Nation Media Group has grown into East Africa’s largest independent media house, operating newspapers, television stations and digital platforms across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

Azizi praised the role the institution has played in strengthening public discourse and democratic accountability across the region.

“For decades, Nation Media Group has played a central role in informing citizens, strengthening public dialogue and supporting democratic accountability across East Africa,” he said.

“Institutions of this stature are not merely companies. They are guardians of public knowledge and platforms for civic dialogue.”

The businessman emphasised that his role as an investor would be to reinforce the strength and stability of the organisation rather than interfere with its editorial independence.

“My role as an investor is to support the strength of the institution, ensuring that it has the resources, leadership and stability required to continue serving the public with professionalism and integrity,” Azizi said.

He framed the investment as a long-term strategic partnership aimed at strengthening East Africa’s media ecosystem at a time when the global industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by digital technology.

“The global media industry is undergoing profound transformation. Digital technology is reshaping how information is produced, distributed and consumed,” he said.

“At its heart, journalism is about storytelling, the ability of societies to tell their own stories with authenticity, depth and integrity.”

Azizi said the partnership between Taifa Group and Nation Media Group is grounded in a shared commitment to strengthening trusted journalism and expanding African storytelling across the region.

“At its heart, this partnership is guided by three simple commitments: a commitment to strong institutions that serve the public interest, a commitment to professional journalism that informs and empowers citizens, and a commitment to a confident East Africa telling its own stories and engaging with the world on its own terms,” he said.

He added that access to reliable information is one of the most important resources in modern societies.

“Information, like energy, is one of the most important resources in modern societies. When societies have access to reliable information, they are better able to understand themselves, govern themselves and shape their own future,” Azizi noted.

Addressing speculation that the investment may have been influenced by his relationship with Kenya’s political leadership, Azizi dismissed claims that the deal was linked to his ties with President William Ruto.

Instead, he said his relationships in Kenya’s political sphere extend across the political divide, including ties with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the late opposition leader Raila Odinga.

“I am friends with a lot of people and I believe good relationships are key to building East Africa,” he said.

Azizi also emphasised that the investment should not be viewed through the lens of rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania.

“Kenya and Tanzania are not rivals but two countries that complement each other,” he said. “We are strong together. What you don’t have we have, and what we do not have you have.”

The acquisition has also raised questions among employees about potential restructuring within the company. However, Azizi sought to reassure journalists and staff that the goal of the investment is expansion rather than downsizing.

“To the journalists, editors and audiences of Nation Media Group, I say this; your legacy will be respected,” he said.

“Your institution will be strengthened, and your role in shaping the future of our region will continue to be valued.”

He added that the company’s growth strategy would create new opportunities within the organization.

“There will be more jobs created as we move forward,” Azizi stated.

Azizi stressed that strong journalism depends on credibility, professional standards and responsible editorial leadership.

“A media institution earns public trust through rigorous reporting, balanced perspectives and a commitment to facts,” he said.

“Our responsibility today is to strengthen those institutions so that they may continue to serve generations yet to come.”