From expanding infrastructure to enabling SMEs, Mitsumi Distribution reinforces its commitment to Africa’s ICT future through collaboration, cutting-edge tech, and regional empowerment at GITEX Africa 2025.
Established over two decades ago in Kenya and subsequently in Dubai, Mitsumi Distribution has steadily cemented its position as a trusted and cost-effective technology enabler in the Middle East and Africa (MEA).
The visionaries behind this success story are Jagat Shah and Mitesh Shah, the Chairman and CEO and the Co-Chairman and MD of Mitsumi Distribution, respectively. Born in Uganda, Jagat Shah began his professional journey in 1993 as a computer engineer in India. With a strong passion for technology and business, he later moved to Kenya, taking on key managerial roles that laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial leap.
From its humble beginnings, the company has grown into a leading IT infrastructure distributor, offering cutting-edge solutions across hardware, telecommunications, networking, enterprise, and storage verticals. In 1998, with a spirit of resilience and foresight, Jagat with his brother Mitesh established Mitsumi Computer Garage Ltd, a modest venture focused on computer repairs and services. The business quickly gained traction and became a dominant IT distribution and service provider in Kenya. At the core of the Mitsumi Group lies its flagship entity, MITSUMI Distribution, which today stands as one of the foremost distribution powerhouses in the IT, Telco, and Enterprise sectors across the MEA region.
From 2000 to 2022, the Mitsumi Group executed a well-orchestrated expansion strategy, broadening its geographic footprint and service offerings across MEA. Today, Mitsumi is not only a market leader but a strategic partner in driving Africa’s digital acceleration—fuelling innovation ecosystems, supporting SMEs, and enabling the next phase of transformative growth.
Looking ahead, Mitsumi Distribution is set to play a pivotal role at GITEX Africa 2025, where it will reinforce its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development across the continent. In a sit-down with Sandhya D’Mello, Technology Editor at CPI Media Group, Jagat Shah discussed how the company envisions enabling Africa’s digital future by building robust technology infrastructure and creating new pathways for inclusive growth.
What key message or strategic direction will you be sharing with the African tech ecosystem through your presence at the GITEX Africa 2025 event?
At GITEX Africa 2025, our key message will centre around the importance of collaboration and innovation in driving Africa’s digital transformation. We aim to showcase our commitment to empowering businesses with cutting-edge technologies, particularly AI PCs and enterprise solutions. Our strategic direction emphasizes building strong partnerships with global tech leaders to ensure that our channel partners have access to the tools and insights necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. We believe that by working together, we can bridge the digital divide and foster sustainable growth across the continent.
How does Mitsumi’s participation at GITEX Africa align with your broader vision of accelerating digital transformation across the continent, and what outcomes are you hoping to achieve from this year’s edition?
Mitsumi’s participation at GITEX Africa is a vital component of our broader vision to accelerate digital transformation across Africa. By engaging with key stakeholders, including innovators, policymakers, and enterprise leaders, we aim to explore emerging trends and lead discussions on the future of IT distribution. Our desired outcomes include strengthening our partnerships, enhancing our portfolio, and ultimately equipping businesses with the necessary resources to adopt next-generation technologies. We hope to foster an environment where collaboration drives innovation, enabling businesses to scale and succeed in the digital economy.
Tell us about the significance of your newly opened office—how it reflects Mitsumi’s long-term commitment to the region and how it will enhance operations, partnerships, and customer outreach?
The opening of our new offices in the Southern Africa region signifies Mitsumi’s long-term commitment to the African region and our dedication to enhancing our operational capabilities. Having offices in the region enables us to strengthen our partnerships with local vendors and channel partners, ensuring that we can provide tailored support and solutions that meet the unique needs of the market. Additionally, our presence will enhance customer outreach, allowing us to engage more effectively with businesses and provide them with the resources they need to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape. These offices are a testament to our belief in the potential of the African market and our commitment to driving its digital transformation.
With the African continent undergoing a massive digital shift, how is Mitsumi positioning itself as an enabler of growth through infrastructure, distribution networks, and local market engagement?
Mitsumi is positioning itself as a key enabler of growth in Africa by investing in robust infrastructure and expanding our distribution networks across the continent. We are committed to enhancing our logistics capabilities and optimizing supply chain visibility to ensure that businesses can access the latest technologies without delay. Furthermore, our focus on local market engagement allows us to provide tailored solutions that address specific regional needs, helping our partners navigate compliance and implement scalable digital solutions.
“By fostering specialized expertise within our workforce and channel partners, we are equipping businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world”
You’ve recently onboarded several new global brands into the Mitsumi portfolio. What factors drive your decision to partner with specific brands, and how do these signings elevate your value proposition?
Our decision to partner with specific global brands such as APC, VMWare, NETGEAR, and SanDisk is driven by several key factors, including their proven track record of innovation, commitment to research and development, and alignment with our strategic vision. We seek brands that offer cutting-edge technologies that can address the evolving needs of our customers in both Middle East and Africa. By onboarding these brands, we elevate our value proposition by expanding our portfolio to include next-generation solutions that enhance operational efficiency and security. This diversification allows us to better serve our channel partners and ultimately empowers businesses across Middle East and Africa to adopt the technologies necessary for success in the digital economy.
Mitsumi’s portfolio continues to diversify, how do you ensure operational excellence, partner enablement, and service agility across such a dynamic and rapidly growing geography?
To ensure operational excellence, partner enablement, and service agility across our diverse portfolio, we prioritize a flexible and datadriven approach to our operations. We leverage predictive analytics to optimize inventory management and supply chain processes, enabling us to respond swiftly to market demands. Additionally, we invest in training and support for our channel partners, equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to deliver exceptional service to their customers. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, we can maintain our competitive edge and adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of the ICT distribution space.
What role do you see Mitsumi playing in shaping Africa’s digital economy, particularly in empowering SMEs, supporting channel partners, and facilitating access to cutting-edge technologies?
Mitsumi plays a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s digital economy by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and supporting our channel partners through tailored solutions and resources. We are committed to facilitating access to cutting-edge technologies that enable SMEs to innovate and compete effectively in the digital landscape. By providing financial flexibility, training, and localized support, we help our partners navigate the complexities of technology adoption. Our focus on collaboration and shared growth ensures that we are not only driving our own success but also contributing to the broader development of the digital economy across the continent.
What are the next milestones for Mitsumi Distribution in terms of regional expansion, digital innovation, and strengthening your leadership position in Africa’s ICT distribution space?
Looking ahead, our next milestones include further regional expansion into key markets across Africa. We aim to enhance our digital innovation initiatives by investing in AI and data-driven technologies that will empower our partners and customers. Additionally, we will continue to strengthen our leadership position in Africa’s ICT distribution space by forging strategic partnerships with global technology leaders and expanding our portfolio. Our commitment to operational excellence and customer-centricity will guide us as we navigate the evolving digital landscape and drive sustainable growth across the continent.
