Sulfo Rwanda founder Tajdin Jaffer dies aged 93

Tajdin Hussain Jaffer, the founder and long-serving chairman of Sulfo Rwanda Industries, has died aged 93, bringing to an end the life of one of Rwanda’s pioneering industrialists.

Hussain died in Nairobi on Friday, August 28, 2026, after a prolonged illness, according to people familiar with his condition. 

He had been receiving treatment in Rwanda before being transferred to Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi.

A Sulfo Rwanda employee who has worked for the company for 18 years told local media that Jaffer had been ill for some time.

Hussain initially received treatment at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali before being referred to Nairobi.

After his condition improved, Jaffer left hospital and continued receiving medical care at home under the supervision of doctors.

The employee said Jaffer returned to Rwanda last year after recovering sufficiently to visit the Sulfo Rwanda factory, describing the visit as appearing to be a farewell.

“He came and visited the factory. Later, he handed it over to his son and grandson,” the employee said.

Jaffer’s death marks the end of a remarkable business journey that began in Rwanda in 1962, when he and his wife, Khatun Jaffer, established what became Sulfo Rwanda Industries.

The company says it was, at the time, Rwanda’s only industrial soap producer.

Jaffer had arrived in Rwanda from Uganda in 1950 and gained experience in his family’s trading business before starting his own ventures, including a small shop in Gatsibo and a petrol station in Kigali.

He also learned soap-making through a traditional manufacturing operation linked to his family in Burundi.

Hussain began Sulfo with a small-scale soap-making operation and the Tembo brand.

What started as a modest enterprise using rudimentary equipment gradually developed into one of Rwanda’s major manufacturing businesses.

Sulfo later diversified into cosmetics, detergents, personal-care products and packaged drinking water.

Historical records show that the company expanded its manufacturing activities in the 1970s and subsequently worked under franchise arrangements with international companies including Unilever, Beiersdorf, Bayer and Hoyu.

Today, Sulfo Rwanda produces a wide range of fast-moving consumer goods, including laundry and toilet soaps, detergents, cosmetics and packaged drinking water.

The company describes itself as one of Rwanda’s largest FMCG manufacturers.

Hussain’s contribution extended beyond manufacturing.

He was also involved in other businesses, including tyres, vehicle batteries and liquefied petroleum gas, while being associated with the development of golf in Rwanda.

In 2025, Sulfo’s shareholders formally recognised Jaffer and Khatun Jaffer for their contribution to the company since its establishment and recorded their decision to retire from senior leadership positions because of their advanced age.

Hussain also co-founded Enfants de Dieu in 2002 with Khatun, a project established to support vulnerable children in Rwanda.

Memorial activities for Hussain are expected to take place in Nairobi on August 30, 2026.