A champion for social inclusion in Malawi - Meet your Global Indian Ambassador for Malawi - Haroon Ahmed Sacranie
Business Background
In 1977 I bought a second hand truck and drove it myself; by 1982 I had five; this was the beginning of my first business of supplying bricks and sand to various building contractors.
In 1983, a directive was given from the government for Indians to move away from the transport business, and yet again, I was at a Crossroads in my life. This, however, was a blessing in disguise as I registered and formed Shaanti Constructions Ltd.
For the next 17 years, Shaanti Constructions Ltd. Flourished, we successfully completed schools, post offices and many private projects. By the year 2000, we were one of the top six construction companies in Malawi.
When our most senior engineer received another job offer, I deliberated over whether to let him go or match their offer. I then made the greatest and craziest decision of my life and decided to hang up the gloves in the construction business, despite being at the peak of our success.
With 5 acres of land that we had previously purchased, we decided to build a Hotel and Shopping Mall in Lilongwe – The Crossroads Hotel and Complex opened in 2004, followed by the 2nd Crossroads Hotel and Mall in Blantyre which opened in 2018.
Only now I realize that the decision to move out of construction – which followed the ‘Working Hard’ principle – was to change gears into ‘Working Smart’
It is important to have a long-term and holistic view in order to develop your businesses. Therefore, the vision of the leaders in business must encompass creativity and skill to optimize opportunities that unlock their full potential.
Real leaders are those people who over a lifetime, were able to adjust and adapt to find new ways of applying themselves with inspiration to overcome challenges
Awards, Fellowships, Grants
2009 - Named in Top 20 Entrepreneurs in the country by Malawi Government
2013 to present - Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary Club Lilongwe
2019 – Indian High Commission award in recognition of Outstanding Contribution and Leadership in Hospitality Sector
Honorary Positions
Trustee on the board of Mzuzu University Trust Fund
Past President and a Rotarian for the past 30 years
Chairman of ASUM (Association of Sunni Madrassas)
Chairman of Muslim Sports Club (1983 to 1996)
Chairman of GTF (Group Ten Finance Company) (1995 to 1999)
Chairman of the Lilongwe Memon Association
Trustee of WMO (World Memon Organisation)
Chairman of Operation Smile Malawi
Director on the Board of Malawi Stock Exchange
About our Global Indian Ambassadors
Our Global Indian Ambassadors are active leaders in social custodianship, representing the fields of politics, business, entertainment, academia, activism and beyond. They demonstrate integrity in their professions and serve as positive role models through their work.
Our Ambassadors have played a critical role in raising awareness of community building and have continued to use their talent and platform to advocate, educate and fundraise on behalf of the Global Indian Series for a range of activities, including philanthropy.
Our core ethos is to unite in the human experience of us and provide a safe mooring ground for open discussions. Together our Global Indian Ambassadors have proven that regardless of nationality, perceived status or religion, we can all be a powerful tool in mobilising the support needed in creating environments that thrive on passion, purpose and togetherness.
The role of our Ambassadors is to assist in spreading our work and to provide a bridge that connects economy, politics and society together and serve as a tool in enhancing a true sense of community for people of Indian origin and beyond.
