Reimagining Distribution Beyond The Box

From repairing PCs in Kenya to building a 26-country IT distribution empire, MITSUMI isn't just moving tech, it's building ecosystems with Cloud, Al, and partner-first strategies that are redefining the future of digital infrastructure

- BHARTI TREHAN [e-mail]

It distribution is often seen as a simple game of supply and delivery. But when looked at through the lens of someone who started with a screwdriver and built a cross-continental business, it becomes clear that distribution is anything but simple. It's infrastructure. It's enablement. It's strategy.

That's the story of Jagat Shah, Chairman & CEO of MITSUMI Distribution, who started by repairing computers in Kenya and went on to build one of the largest tech distribution networks across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. But this isn’t just about scaling logistics—it’s about reshaping what distribution means in a Cloud-first, AI-enabled world.

From One Repair Room to 26 Countries

The journey began in 1994, when instead of following peers to the US, he chose Kenya. Starting as a computer repair technician, the early MITSUMI setup was nothing more than a one-room repair center with no capital.

But when customers started returning not just for service, but to buy, the business evolved. What began with repairs soon became a supply chain, and by the late 2000s, organised distribution across Africa had started to take shape.

Today, MITSUMI operates in over 26 countries, engaging more than 3,200 dealers, and represents 45 global technology brands. In many regions, it is not just a distributor, it is the brand’s entire ground presence.

The Growth Game: Localised, Not Remote

While many players manage regions remotely, MITSUMI believes in going local. That means setting up in-country operations, building on-ground teams, and offering 24/7 support, whether for banks, telcos, or enterprises.