Toyota is Making an Investment Worth $3 Million in a Kenyan Tech Firm

By Dane Lorica / 1480941784
(Photo : YouTube) Toyota has invested in Kenya's Seven Seas Technology.

Toyota is expanding its business with its latest investment worth $3 million in Kenyan information technology firm, Seven Seas Technology.

The Japanese automobile company purchased 9.5 percent of the Kenyan firm's shares, making the latter richer in value by $30 million. The deal was completed through a subsidiary, CSV Africa which operates as a development fund for the continent.

The transaction was confirmed by the founder and CEO of Seven Seas, Mike Macharia. Macharia currently holds 35 percent or $11 million worth of his company's shares.

Experts say that the transaction will be beneficial for both parties as Seven Seas is hailed as the most reputable IT company in the region. It has $28 million worth of annual sales with its technology and business solution services. Macharia's company is planning to be listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange by 2020 which makes Toyota's investment.

Macharia has reportedly become the newest billionaire in the region with Toyota's investment.  The billionaire accountant has said that he is exploring the possibilities of studying in the United States to expand his company. However, he remains focused on the continent particularly in Rwanda to help the area's IT sector.

He aims to make the business bigger with his idea of "Seven Seas Aviation. Seven Seas Hospital." He also described himself as "good at getting the customers and the deals. I was good at operations and executions."

Meanwhile, Toyota is an established name in the automobile industry. In fact, the company has been operating in Africa over 90 years now - not just in the automotive sector but also in agricultural and energy sectors.