About East African Asians

HARSHAD KOTHARI Friday 16th January 2026 07:14 EST
 
 

About East African Asians (The Project)

The East African Asians (EAA) Organisation was founded to recognise, preserve, and celebrate the extraordinary journey and achievements of the East African Asian community.

Originating largely from India in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, East African Asians played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s development. From helping build major railway networks to establishing thriving businesses and institutions, the community became integral to East Africa’s economic and social fabric.

Over generations, East African Asians have become known for their resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep-rooted cultural values. The EAA initiative seeks to document and showcase this remarkable legacy — one that spans continents and continues to influence global society.

“From railway pioneers to global leaders, the East African Asian story is one of resilience, enterprise, and lasting impact.”

During the late 1960s and early 1970s, significant migration took place as East African Asians settled in the UK, USA, Canada, the UAE, and other parts of the world. They rebuilt their lives with determination and success, and today their descendants excel in politics, academia, business, philanthropy, culture, and the professions.

Early pioneers of the East African Asian community helped build the foundations of modern East Africa. Notable ones were : Alidina Visram, Muljibhai Madhvani, Meghji Pethraj Shah, Karimjee Jivanjee, Nanji Kalidas Mehta

EAA’s Mission and Vision

EAA’s founders have launched an ambitious initiative to create dedicated digital platforms, including a website and social media portals, designed to capture and amplify the East African Asian story.

These platforms will:

•  Chronicle historic milestones and modernday achievements

•  Create global directories of EAA businesses and professionals

•  Preserve stories of leadership, innovation, and service

•  Connect the worldwide EAA diaspora, particularly younger generations

EAA also delivers a vibrant programme of social, business, sporting, and networking events, fostering collaboration and strengthening global connections. While based in the UK, EAA enjoys growing international support.

“This is not just about preserving history - it is about connecting a global community and inspiring the next generation.”

Early Backers of the Project

The success of EAA would not have been possible without early guidance and encouragement from respected supporters, including:

•  Rt. Hon. Shailesh Vara – Former UK Cabinet Minister and the UK’s first Hindu MP

•  Tony Matharu – of Integrity International For his continued advice and strategic support

•  Dhiren Doshi – The project’s first supporter, providing vital resources in the UK and India

Past Events: Building Momentum

EAA Inaugural Golf Day – April 2025

EAA’s inaugural event in April 2025 brought together over 200 distinguished guests, including the Uganda High Commissioner, a former UK Cabinet Minister, prominent media figures, and business leaders from the Sunday Times Rich List.

The event received widespread coverage across Asian television and digital media platforms and led to partnership interest from banks, media houses, and leading corporations. A full review appeared in Asian Voice in April 2025.

“Our inaugural Golf Day marked the beginning of a powerful global network.”

EAA Social & Nostalgic Evening – December 2025

Held on 6 December 2025, this memorable evening celebrated shared heritage, memories, and cultural connections. The event attracted strong participation and reaffirmed the community’s collective pride and unity. (Full review featured elsewhere in this Supplement.)

Looking Ahead: EAA Events 2026

Building on success of the two events, and with continued support, EAA plans an exciting programme of events in 2026. Details will follow as soon as plans have been finalised.

“Our events celebrate achievement, foster collaboration, and strengthen global bonds.”

Acknowledgements

Our sincere thanks to Shree CB Patel for producing this Special Pull-Out Supplement.

We also thank all sponsors and advertisers featured herein for their valued support. And our appreciation to the entire Asian Voice – ABPL Team

Sponsorship Opportunities

To sustain this unique Project we invite individuals, businesses, and philanthropists to support this unique initiative — one that preserves history while celebrating contemporary success across business, academia, politics, philanthropy, the arts, and sports.

Benefits of Sponsorship

Sponsors benefit from meaningful engagement and high visibility within an influential global network:

•  Promotion across EAA’s digital and social media platforms

•  Acknowledgement during events and in printed materials

•  Complimentary invitations (subject to sponsorship tier)

•  Post-event publicity through leading Asian media outlets

For Sponsorship details email us to: [email protected]

Register and Get Involved

If you are a proud East African Asian – by birth,

descent or marriage – then be counted and recognised

for your unique background!

Register - Register - Register

www.eastafricanasians.com

You can also support the initiative

by spreading awareness within your networks.


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