Hassanein Hiridjee

Hassanein founded AXIAN Group with his brother Amin Hiridjee in 2015, to pursue his belief that Africa’s potential can be unleashed through inclusive economic development, innovation, and positive impact. Bringing together more than 7,500 employees across 17 countries, Hassanein has turned AXIAN Group into a major player in five high-growth sectors vital for Africa’s sustainable development: telecoms, financial services, energy, open innovation and real estate. 

The Group has experienced rapid growth – reaching over USD 2.5 Billion in turnover in 2023. Hassanein and AXIAN’s vision reflects the principles of the United Nations Global Compact, where he actively participates in the Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) initiative, advocating for public-private partnerships and tangible solutions that promote bold action and sustainable growth. 

In 2022, Hassanein was awarded CEO of the Year by the Africa CEO Forum, in recognition for his actions which promoted the continent’s economic and social development. Hassanein has also established the AXIAN Foundation, through which he oversees initiatives to protect vulnerable people. As a contemporary art collector, he also established the H Foundation, which since 2018 is officially recognized as a public utility in Madagascar for supporting African artistic creation through two exhibition spaces in Antananarivo and Paris. 

Prior to AXIAN, Hassanein took over the family business in Madagascar, which has spanned for over half a century. He graduated from the École Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP Europe).