In emerging markets, real transformation doesn’t come from capital alone. Take Jumia, once referred to as the “Amazon of Africa.” Backed by global investors, Jumia launched in 2012 with a bold ambition to become the continent’s leading e-commerce platform. It had the funding, the brand, and the narrative. But it missed what mattered most: deep local integration and active operational presence. Within a few years, it had exited multiple markets, including Tanzania. The lesson is clear, capital may open doors, but it’s execution on the ground that drives lasting impact.
This has always been the rationale behind Tantel’s investment approach. Our philosophy is built on discipline, patience, and hands-on involvement. We don’t see ourselves as passive investors: we are builders, operators, and long-term strategic partners. Our approach is rigorous and personal. We embed with founders, working side-by-side to drive true transformation on the ground in Tanzania.
Here’s an overview of our investment strategy, designed to generate outsized returns while creating lasting, sustainable value in every business we support.
We Invest in People, Not Perfection
Before we invest capital, we invest time. We often spend months working with founders and leadership teams before making a commitment. We look for character, clarity, and commitment. While strong fundamentals and core potential are essential, we’re not seeking perfection. In fact, we intentionally avoid businesses that are already too mature or overly profitable. Our strength lies in transformation, not passive participation.
We focus on traditional, cash-generative businesses with solid fundamentals that are underperforming due to capital inefficiencies, strategic misalignments, or temporary shocks post-COVID. These companies often have clear markets and scalable models, where a modest investment can significantly accelerate growth opportunities.
Rigorous Diligence and Controlled Exposure
Our diligence is comprehensive and deliberate, from full KYC and police reports to background checks, reference calls, and operational shadowing. Once we’re confident, we execute a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), usually acquiring a majority or significant stake.
Our capital is deployed in tranches: we take shares upfront, but the initial outlay is minimal, just enough to steady the business and fully integrate ourselves into its operations. Future tranches are tied to clear compliance, operational and strategic milestones. To protect the downside, we lock in strong governance from day one: bank signatory control, limits on liabilities and share issuance, and strict legal safeguards.
We Build From the Inside Out
Once we’re in, companies join our ecosystem. They move into our shared office space and gain access to our in-house experts—legal, finance, tech, branding, and more—without paying a cent until they’re profitable. This isn’t outsourcing; it’s full operational immersion.
Our local and international teams engage across every function: from pricing and supplier negotiations to reporting systems and customer segmentation. We question assumptions, rebuild processes, and fix what’s slowing things down.
We don’t sit on the board and wait for updates. We sit at the table and build, every day.
Transformation Starts With Access
Many Tanzanian businesses don’t struggle from lack of ideas, they struggle from lack of access. We change that.
We open doors to key stakeholders, government officials, strategic partners, financiers, and global suppliers. Our network becomes their network. Our systems become their systems. From AI-driven efficiency tools to cloud-based finance systems, we bring modern tools into companies that have never seen them before.
In some cases, our initial investment isn't monetary. We start by providing operational expertise, automation, and human capital. Capital comes later, after trust is built and alignment is established. It lowers our risk and raises everyone’s upside.
Built to Last
Tantel is not just a capital partner: we are co-builders, co-strategists, and operational catalysts. We bring time, talent, tools, and trust to every business we back. It’s comprehensive and demanding, but it works.
And in a market like Tanzania, where the opportunity is real and the transformation is tangible, we believe our hands-on model will continue to outperform. Not just financially, but in impact, scale, and sustainability.
