#16
NIZAR JUMA
CHAIR JUBILEE HOLDINGS
The wisdom expressed in Nizar Juma’s quote, “Power should be self-empowering and must strengthen you from within to confront the growing challenges of life and the current times,” not only resonates deeply with like-minded leaders but also encapsulates the mindset that propels Nizar, current Chair of the Board of Jubilee Holdings, into his role as a transformational leader.
Jubilee Insurance stands prominently as a dominant force in East Africa’s financial landscape. Renowned for its extensive insurance solutions spanning Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Mauritius, the company transcends conventional insurance boundaries by actively engaging in asset management and investment. This holistic approach to financial services is rooted in a transformative leadership ethos, mirroring the principles of self-empowered strength championed by Nizar. Within Jubilee, this mindset is not just a concept; it is a guiding philosophy that underscores the company’s resilience and adaptability in navigating the complexities of the region’s financial challenges.
A man of great integrity and passion, as depicted by many of his colleagues, Nizar is the Initiator, Co-host, and Mentor behind The Future of Power Dialogues, conducted in partnership with the Brahma Kumaris. This series involves exclusive conversations that explore the dynamics of power shifts and their effects on responsible leadership.
Participants consistently commend Nizar’s discussions as insightful, brilliant, and incisive. As a dedicated advocate, Nizar plays a leading role in the ongoing quest for a deeper understanding of ‘enlightened leadership’.
With over 60 years of multifaceted business experience, Nizar has seamlessly integrated business ethics into his professional journey, fuelled by a genuine commitment to eradicate corruption from the business landscape in East Africa. This dedication embodies his belief in fostering sustainable, reflective, and meditative leadership through the principles of Conscious Leadership.
The founding of The Blue Company Project in September 2017 was not just a strategic move for Nizar; it was a natural expression of his ethical convictions and integrity. The Blue Company rallies private sector companies to shun corruption by embracing ethical business practices. As a business and industry luminary, Nizar possesses a unique ability to unite individuals who share his passion and interests. Over the last six years, The Blue Company, with its network of over 500 volunteer businesses and institutions, has emerged as a formidable force against corruption. Beyond its advocacy, The Blue Company actively promotes a cultural transformation within the private sector across East Africa.
Exemplifying empathy and kindness, Nizar has been actively engaged in voluntary leadership roles since 2000, serving as Chair of various boards within The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). His contributions extend across a spectrum of social welfare activities, encompassing not-for-profit hospitals, and diverse development initiatives ranging from power generation, fibre optics cabling systems, agriculture, banking, pharmaceuticals, insurance, food processing to property development.
Nizar’s impactful involvement has seen him chair the boards of numerous organisations, presently holding leadership roles in Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), SEACOM, Bujagali Holdings, Farmer’s Choice, among others.
Nizar’s strategic foresight has been evident since 1974 when he was among the sole manufacturers for Adidas sports equipment at Adidas Teamsports. Established post-independence in 1963, the company specialises in producing an array of sports equipment, including soccer balls, rugby balls, dart boards, boxing gloves, and an extensive range of sports clothing and leisure wear. During a previous interview, when Nizar was asked about the achievements he holds most dear, supplying balls to the 1978 FIFA World Cup took precedence. This significant accomplishment was particularly gratifying as it positioned the company as a recognised indigenous manufacturer, marking a proud moment in its history.
Nizar’s academic excellence is underscored by a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with joint Honours in Economics, Law, and Accountancy, as well as a Business of Administration (BA) degree from the University of Wales-Cardiff, United Kingdom (UK).
Nizar’s substantial contributions and accomplishments have garnered him numerous awards and honours. In 1982, he was honoured with The Silver Star of Kenya Award by H.E Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, in recognition of his outstanding service to the nation. Further recognition came in 2013 when H.E Mwai Kibaki acknowledged Nizar’s selfless service through the Asian Foundation, expressing gratitude for his dedication to the people of Kenya. Notably, in 2014, Nizar was presented with the Bharat Gaurav Lifetime Achievement Award by the British Minister for Energy and Environment, Baroness Varma, at The House of Commons, Westminster, London.
Nizar is blessed with three children and grandchildren. His philosophy of success is simple, “If you act with integrity in everything that you do, eventually you will succeed. It may be a little bit harder, but eventually that philosophy will succeed.”
