Our History
Union Trust is a diversified holding company spanning financial services, real estate, hospitality, agriculture and the natural resources. Headquartered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Union Trust is one of the longest established companies in the country, and has grown to accommodate some 10,000+ employees throughout Tanzania and across East Africa.
Founded in the 1960s to manufacture goods locally at a time when Tanzania relied on imports for the majority of its needs, the company has grown to represent an impressive portfolio that provides solutions for the region’s expanding economic, financial and infrastructure requirements. With its roots firmly planted in Tanzania and the country’s development, Union Trust has worked hard to earn its reputation as a trustworthy, experienced and highly successful enterprise, and continues to leverage its strengths and experience in new industries and geographies.
Founder’s Journey
Jalal H. Jamal identified a market gap for ballpoint pens in Tanzania 50 years ago, founding Union Trust. Overcoming challenges, the company diversified into coca cola bottling, mineral water, and plastics manufacturing. Mr. Jamal's entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability led to success.
A Tanzanian Success Story
From humble beginnings, the companies founded by Union Trust have flourished. Alliance Insurance and Alliance Life Insurance are the largest Tanzanian-owned companies in their field. As a 100 percent homegrown enterprise, committed to serving its customers and developing the skills of its employees, Union Trust is proud of its ongoing contribution to Tanzania’s growth story.
A Dynamic Enterprise
Union Trust is constantly evolving hand in hand with the rapidly evolving trajectory of Tanzania and its East African neighbours, growing together while retaining its core values. Firmly established in some of the biggest industries, Union Trust reacts swiftly to new opportunities that leverage its strengths, require innovation, and allow it to contribute the expertise gained from half a century of operations in the region.
