Rizwan Adatia
Rizwan Adatia (born September 14, 1969) is a business owner, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Career
Adatia became chairman of COGEF Group in 2012. The Mozambique-based group operates as a consumer-goods business involved in import and export, manufacturing, and retail activities in Africa. Its operations include 22 cash-and-carry supermarkets, 130 retail-wholesale outlets, 4 manufacturing facilities, eight African countries, and over 2,500 employees.
According to material presented at a CEO Clubs Round Table Meeting in July 2024, Adatia's businesses operated across 10 African countries and employed more than 5,000 people.
Philanthropy
Adatia established RAF Global in 2015 as a non-profit organization working primarily in India and Africa. One of RAF Global's early projects followed the rehabilitation of earthquake-affected schools in affected areas of Kutch and established hostels for girls to help maintain access to education. It also adopted Maliya Hatina village in Junagadh district, where initiatives included school infrastructure, LPG connections for villagers, employment opportunities for women, and Climate Smart Agriculture.
In August 2020, RAF Global representatives met FRELIMO Secretary-General Roque Silva in Maputo, Mozambique, to discuss humanitarian activities in the country. During the meeting, the foundation presented medical and protective equipment, including 100 surgical masks, 100 infrared thermometers, 100 protective gloves, 100 surgical caps and N95 masks, for use in public-awareness and COVID-19 prevention activities.
RAF Global has operated vocational training initiatives in Mozambique. On 5 December 2017, Portugal's ambassador to Mozambique (Maria Amélia Paiva), accompanied by Portuguese diplomatic officials, visited the Machava Professional Training Center operated by the Rizwan Adatia Foundation. The facility's training structure included basketry, sewing, hairdressing, visual arts, painting, preschool education, cooking, electrical work and accounting.
Media and recognition
A film titled Rizwan has been produced about Adatia's life and business career. The film depicts his migration from Gujarat to Africa, his development as an entrepreneur in Southern Africa, and the establishment of RAF Global.
Adatia has additionally participated in recognition and award-related events, including the "Pride of Bharat" program held at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers in Dubai.