Success Story – Rizwan Adatiya: The son of a groundnut seller, is giving jobs to 3,500 Africans today

It is really unrealistic to know and learn about all those individuals who make sure to follow the path of their dreams instead of copying the paths already treaded by other established names in the world’s industries. These individuals are known for the many courageous decisions they have taken in their lifetime throughout their journey, which ultimately lead to the desired success. Ace multiple business owner, and head of COGEF, Rizwan Adatiya, emerged as one such incredible example of a rags to riches story through his own hard work.

Rizwan Adatiya, who belonged to a humble background, belonged to a family of nine in Porbandar, Gujarat. Adatiya learned the value of hard work, honesty, integrity and faith from his self-employed father, Nooruddinbhai Babubhai Singwada (a groundnut seller) and his homemaker mother. He saw how his father worked day and night to support his family and still save some money. Each sibling made sure to support the family in some way or the other, these were the values ​​they imbibed from an early age, and Rizwan learned the same from them at the youngest age.

help from brother

Known for his sharp and intelligent mind, one of his brothers, Aashiq Bhai, often supported him to fulfill his dreams. On the other hand, Rizwan always dreamed of becoming a self-sufficient and successful business owner.

Started career at a local grocery store

To meet the same, at a very young age, he started supporting a local grocery store owner while completing his studies. While working at the store, he gained many valuable experiences in the business and developed his skills for the same. He recalls how after a few years, it was Ashiq Bhai who encouraged him to accompany him to Africa to learn the tricks of the trade and step into the world of business.

went to africa in 1986

It was August 1986 when Rizwan decided to take his first flight from Porbandar to Mumbai and then to Kinshasa, Africa, for a fresh start in his career and life. Since then, this self-driven, determined man has never looked back.

Rizwan Adatiya, after facing a lot of struggles and challenges, with a positive outlook and attitude, always focused on coming up with solutions for every challenge that came his way. This propelled him to become an influential leader and a powerful businessman throughout Africa. Today, he is known not only for his highly successful businesses, but most importantly, for his compassion and empathy, which has helped him realize his dream in the form of his NGO, RAF Global.

President, COGEF Group

Today, as president of COGEF, Rizwan Adatia has greatly expanded with over 25 supermarkets in Mozambique, 105 stores, five factories, 38 warehouses and offices in 8 Asian and African countries with over 3,500 employees (data as of 2019). Have done He wants to help 1 crore people by 2030 through his NGO. Till date, he has made a positive impact on the lives of over 1 million people.

Landing in Africa as a youngster with eyes full of dreams from Porbandar, facing challenges, overcoming them all and becoming the Chairman of one of the largest and most talked about private consumer goods conglomerates, Rizwan Adatiya has indeed come a long way. The journey is over. Way.