Former MCL leaders reflect on the legacy of Aga Khan IV

Dar es Salaam. Business leaders should trust the process and avoid seeking quick returns from their substantial investments to honour the legacy of His Highness Prince Karim al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV  who died in Lisbon, Portugal, on February 4, 2025, aged 88 retired Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) board chairperson, Leonard Mususa, has said.

Paying tribute to the passing of the spiritual leader, Mr Mususa described how His Highness demonstrated remarkable patience during the digital transformation at Nation Media Group (NMG) and MCL, despite the significant investments made in both financial and human capital.

“He played a crucial role in offering expertise to the NMG group, either by vetting or directly selecting individuals. If you look at the NMG Board, you’ll see it is composed of highly qualified people,” Mr Mususa said in a telephone interview with The Citizen.

He noted that His Highness was not one to seek quick financial returns but focused on long-term strategy.

“His priority was never short-term dividends. The digital transformation strategy, which was developed in 2022 with the help of Financial Times consultants, has been executed with patience,” he added.

Mr Mususa stressed that the success of this transformation would be the true tribute to His Highness's legacy, noting that despite the challenges, both NMG and MCL are performing well.

“He believed in fair and balanced journalism that contributed to the countries' development. His patience to listen to people on the ground and his remarkable capacity for understanding were key qualities,” Mr Mususa said.

He praised His Highness’s ability to absorb vast amounts of information and offer insightful advice.

A long-serving media executive at MCL and former general manager, Mr Theophil Makunga, described His Highness Aga Khan IV as a champion of democracy who gave professionals the autonomy to manage his companies without interference.

He cited the media policy of NMG, which empowers editors to make the final decision on whether a story is published.

"He trusted his people and allowed them the freedom to do their work, which is why his companies have been so successful," said Mr Makunga, who is also a founding editor of Mwananchi newspaper.

Expressing his sorrow at His Highness’ passing, Mr Makunga reflected on the Aga Khan’s legacy of trusting and empowering his teams.

"When I heard the news of his death, I was shocked and saddened, but we thank God for the life for his life," he said in an exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi.

Former MCL MD, Mr Tido Mhando, fondly recalled the privilege of meeting His Highness Aga Khan IV.

He recalls how he shook hands with His Highness on several occasions and he said he believed that having had this honour multiple times, he considers himself doubly blessed.

During his tenure, Mr Mhando attended an annual business performance assessment at His Highness' residence in France under the NMG’s umbrella.

He was struck by how someone with vast global business interests took the time to understand MCL's performance.

Despite receiving reports, His Highness demonstrated a profound understanding of both the company’s operations and Tanzania’s political landscape.

Mr Mhando was particularly surprised when the issue of Mwananchi newspaper’s banning was brought up for discussion during the meetings.

His Highness, he recalls, offered invaluable advice, which played a significant role in the company's return to operations.

"I greatly admire how His Highness treated all his ventures equally, regardless of size or location. He was welcoming, open to dialogue, and always supported quality journalism, which he believed was key to building authoritative, and credible media," said Mr Mhando.

He expressed hope that His Highness’ successor would continue to uphold these values of quality journalism and ensure the global impact of his businesses.

Another former MCL chief executive officer (CEO), Mr Francis Nanai, recalled meeting His Highness Aga Khan IV twice, describing him as a brilliant leader with a remarkable ability to recognise and analyse issues.

Mr Nanai who is also Mr Mhando’s successor revealed that he admired how the Aga Khan listened more than he spoke, which allowed him to truly understand the challenges people faced before making decisions.

“He was a diplomat with a deep understanding of the leadership in power and how to navigate his media outlets,” Mr Nanai said.

“I don’t recall any conflicts in the countries where he had business interests, whether in Kenya or Tanzania,” he added.

He noted that the Aga Khan’s businesses, such as Aga Khan Hospital, Aga Khan University, and MCL all performed excellently without reports of conflict.

Mr Nanai praised the Aga Khan’s multifaceted leadership—being a guardian, religious leader, and successful businessman—and highlighted his wisdom as an advisor.

Recalling a conversation at His Highness’ Oysterbay residence, Mr Nanai shared advice the Aga Khan gave on journalism.

“In writing, you must be truthful and balanced, but always consider the context and purpose of what you write. Not all truth comes out directly,” he recalled, saying despite not being a journalist, he deeply understood the lesson.

Mr Bakari Machumu, who succeeded Mr Nanai as MCL MD, said he first became acquainted with His Highness Aga Khan by following his remarkable achievement of founding the Nation and Taifa Leo newspapers in Kenya at just 24 years old.

Mr Machumu admired this act as a display of courage and a broad vision to provide information that would drive development and promote accountability through good governance.

“He aimed to help the communities his media outlets served. The core of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is service to humanity,” said Mr Machumu.

He described His Highness Aga Khan IV as a person who had strong principles, believing that doing something well would always pay off.

With 20 years of experience as an editor and later Managing Director at Mwananchi Communications Limited, Mr Machumu said His Highness’ dedication of his life to serving others made a significant contribution to the world.

His Highness’ long-term vision was evident in the planning for both NMG and MCL, always thinking 50 years ahead.

“NMG is over 60 years old, and MCL is 22, but both will continue to grow,” said Mr Machumu.

He expressed sadness at His Highness’ passing, praying for patience for the Shia Ismaili community and AKDN family.

“The most important thing is to live by the values he instilled in us,” concluded Mr Machumu.

MCL BOARD CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE

MCL Board Chair David Nchimbi extended heartfelt condolences to the family of His Highness the Aga Khan IV and the Ismaili community. In his message of condolence he said; “Although I never had the honour of personally meeting His Highness, his stellar reputation as a spiritual and business leader made him a well-known and highly admired figure in Tanzania, East Africa, and across the world,” 

Reflecting on his decision to join MCL as Board Chair, he credited the Aga Khan’s commitment to high standards and philanthropy. 

“The late Aga Khan will be fondly remembered and revered for his altruism, generosity, and sincerity. These are wonderful values that the world needs more of, particularly now,” he said.