MITSUMI's Journey from Nairobi to Global Tech Leadership

Global IT distribution is undergoing a massive transformation driven by AI, cloud adoption, and digital infrastructure demands.

- INTERVIEW WITH JAGAT SHAH, CHAIRMAN AND CEO, MITSUMI GROUP

Companies worldwide are racing to stay relevant in a hyper-competitive landscape.

In this exclusive conversation, Jagat Shah, Chairman and CEO of MITSUMI Group, reflects on the company's remarkable transformation from a modest IT reseller in Kenya to a multi-vertical distribution powerhouse spanning 36 countries.

With strategic expansions, bold investments in logistics and emerging technologies, and a deep commitment to local market immersion, MITSUMI has redefined what it means to be a technology enabler in today's fast-evolving global landscape. Jagat Shah shares the pivotal milestones, competitive edge, and future-forward vision that continue to shape MITSUMI's journey.

MITSUMI has grown from an IT retailer in Kenya to a leading multi-vertical distributor across 36 countries. What have been the most defining milestones in this journey, and what do you see as the company's biggest differentiator in a highly competitive global market?

MITSUMI's journey began in 1998 in Kenya, as a computer reseller under the name Mitsumi Computer Garage Ltd., with my brother and co-founder, Mitesh Shah. In 2003, we expanded to Dubai, UAE, laying the foundation for MITSUMI with a mission to deliver cost-effective technologies to the region. A defining moment came in 2004, when we expanded our channel presence across East Africa by setting up local offices and teams, even as most of our peers believed in operating from a single hub.

Another turning point was the launch of our 70,000+ sq. ft. central logistics hub in Jebel Ali in 2022, which enabled us to serve 36 countries with speed, consistency, and efficiency. Most recently, in 2025, we expanded the hub to 1,00,000 sq. ft. - strengthening our position as a multi-vertical distributor and technology enabler across MEA.