About

Aly Nazerali: Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Global Visionary

100

+ Projects

1000

+ Investments

40

+ Years

Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Global Visionary

Altaf ‘Aly’ Nazerali is a transnational entrepreneur and philanthropist whose career spans over five decades, shaping industries across four continents. From spearheading large-scale infrastructure projects in Africa and the Middle East to revolutionizing commodity financing in Europe and pioneering subscription television services in South America, Nazerali’s entrepreneurial footprint is as diverse as it is impactful.

Born in Kenya and raised in the Congo during a time of political turbulence, Nazerali’s roots trace back to Bhuj, India, from where his ancestors migrated to East Africa in the late 19th century. His early academic achievements set the stage for his success—he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Islamic Civilizations, followed by an MBA in Finance and International Business from Columbia University, graduating as one of the youngest students in his class.

A key factor in Nazerali’s success is his multilingual proficiency, which has enabled him to navigate complex international markets and foster relationships across cultures. Fluent in French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, as well as Hindi, Urdu, and Gujarati, he also has a working knowledge of Swahili and Arabic, allowing him to seamlessly engage with global business leaders, investors, and policymakers.

Nazerali has played a pivotal role in financing and managing multinational companies in the natural resources, software, telecommunications, and emerging technology sectors, particularly in Japan, North America, and Europe. His ventures include the founding of Canbras Communications Corporation, later acquired by Bell Canada International, and Multivision Communications Corp., backed by Bankers Trust and Sandler Capital. He also helped finance CTF Technologies, which became Brazil’s largest fleet services provider before its acquisition by Corpay in 2012. As a principal of Valor Invest Ltd. for over 30 years, Nazerali continues to shape the future of global commerce and innovation.

Beyond his business endeavors, Aly Nazerali is deeply committed to philanthropy, education, and healthcare, driven by the humanitarian ideals of the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community. His philanthropic impact includes funding a multi-million-dollar medical facility at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, ensuring quality healthcare for underserved populations. Additionally, he has been a steadfast supporter of education, serving as a longstanding patron of a vocational boarding school for girls in Bhuj, India—the ancestral home of his family—empowering young women with the skills and opportunities to shape their own futures.

Nazerali’s work reflects a profound belief in progress through enterprise and empowerment through philanthropy. Whether shaping industries or uplifting communities, his legacy is one of transformation, innovation, and global impact.

A Legacy of Resilience and Impact

For decades, Aly Nazerali has been a man of action—a global entrepreneur, a philanthropist, and a visionary who has navigated industries and continents with remarkable foresight. 

But his journey has not been without its battles. 

From building billion-dollar enterprises to fighting a grueling seven-year legal war to defend his name, Nazerali’s story is one of resilience, justice, and an unshakable commitment to making a difference where it matters most.

His career spans five decades and several continents—Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas—where he has built businesses, invested in innovative technologies, and championed causes that uplift communities. 

But for all his success, Nazerali has never been one to chase vanity projects or fleeting trends. His focus has always been on impact, sustainability, and the long-term betterment of society.

“There’s a way of making money without damaging the environment,” he says. “Let’s focus on our problems here today.” This philosophy has guided him through an illustrious career, one that has seen him venture into fields as diverse as telecommunications, finance, software, and healthcare—all with the goal of creating lasting change.

A Fight for Truth and Justice

In August 2018, Nazerali emerged victorious from a precedent-setting defamation case that spanned seven years, securing one of the largest monetary awards of its kind in Canada and a permanent injunction against the defendants. The legal battle, fought against two U.S.-based conspiracy theorists, set a landmark precedent in Internet law and defamation cases. “It was a seven-year ordeal that took an immense toll—not just emotionally, but financially—on my business and personal life,” says Nazerali. “But my big takeaway is that the justice system in Canada works. The truth does eventually prevail. The outcome in my case has already been referenced in multiple defamation and Internet law cases, proving that you can’t hide behind the Internet and borders—because there are none on the Internet.” With his name cleared and his reputation restored, Nazerali has refocused his energy on what he does best—identifying global business opportunities and fostering young companies in high-potential sectors like communications, software development, healthcare, and renewables.

Building a Legacy Beyond Wealth

For Nazerali, true success is measured not in material wealth but in the impact left behind. “Nobody will remember you 50 years from now for the car you drove, the house you lived in, or the watch you wore,” he says. “But if you build a school that educates 500 children, who then go on to educate their own, that impact is remembered. If you create a fund that helps people access healthcare, that legacy endures.” These values were instilled in him by his parents, his faith community, and the mentors who guided him throughout his career. They are the foundation of his entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropy. He has carried them through every stage of his life—from his early years in Africa to his rise as a global business leader.

The Roots of Resilience

Born in East Africa, Nazerali was raised in the Congo during a politically charged post-colonial era. By the age of 20, he had already earned a B.A. in Economics and Islamic Civilizations and an MBA in Finance and International Business from Columbia University. But his story began long before that, in the western Indian state of Gujarat. His grandparents, members of the Ismaili faith, fled famine and limited opportunities in Bhuj, India, in the late 19th century, sailing across the Arabian Sea to East Africa. There, his grandfather established a school in Moshi, Tanzania, in 1911, cementing a family legacy of education and community service. The family later settled in Mombasa, Kenya, where Nazerali was born. “Education was drilled into the family from the beginning,” Nazerali recalls. “My parents always reminded me that during revolutions, nationalizations, dictatorships—what you have between your ears is the only thing they can’t take away from you. You better fill that up as best as you can.” That belief propelled him to Columbia University, where he graduated at just 18, one of the youngest in the university’s history. By 20, he was an Ivy League-educated MBA, ready to take on the world.

Navigating a Changing World

As he was preparing to graduate in the early 1970s, Africa’s political landscape shifted. Dictators like Idi Amin and Marshal Mobutu rose to power, forcing many—including Nazerali’s family—to leave. “I quickly realized that my expectation of returning to Africa and joining my family’s businesses was not going to happen,” he says. “I needed to find a job, fast.” As thousands of East African Ismailis sought refuge in Canada under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s immigration program, Nazerali began his career in New York.

A Global Business Leader

In 1975, he joined telecom giant GTE International (now part of Verizon) as a financial analyst. His sharp business acumen and multilingual skills earned him a rapid promotion to in-country manager for Algeria, where he helped develop a $235 million project—the largest electronics plant of its time. Under his leadership, GTE secured contracts worth nearly $1 billion, including building a network of earth stations to provide television, radio, and telecommunications across the Sahara. “They needed someone on the ground, and they took a chance on me,” says Nazerali. “I was fortunate to work with incredible mentors who shaped my career and encouraged me to think beyond conventional business models.” His career has since spanned multiple industries and continents, from large-scale engineering projects and financial structuring to commodities trading and venture investments. His ability to navigate complex markets and structure large-scale projects with innovative financing made him a sought-after business leader.

The Future: Sustainability and Impact

Today, Nazerali’s focus is on sustainable business opportunities that align with long-term global needs. “Water is becoming the most precious commodity on the planet,” he says. “Countries like Yemen and Jordan are running dry. The Caspian Sea is shrinking. Water will be more valuable than oil in the coming decades. That’s just one area of opporunity,” says Nazerali. “As the world’s population increases, demand for sustainable environmentally friendly, and healthy food will also increase. Agri-tech industries, and new methods powered by AI will do very well.” Nazerali is eager to take on new projects that make a real difference. “Watch this space…There’s much more to come.”

Our team

The team behind the
bismount project

Testimonials

What our clients say!

They have helped us launch successful digital campaigns across a variety of platforms, and always provide valuable insights and feedback to help us.

Raymon Myers

Citizen Manager
I have been working with this digital agency for several months now, and I am consistently impressed by their level of professionalism and expertise

Rayan Methew

Corporate Founder
They have helped us launch successful digital campaigns across a variety of platforms, and always provide valuable insights and feedback to help us.

Khon Martin

Corporate Founder
They have helped us launch successful digital campaigns across a variety of platforms, and always provide valuable insights and feedback to help us.

Daniel Samuel

Citizen Manager
Trusted by over 40k+ ambitious brands across the world