Employee Interview　Haji Rehani Omary

From Life as an Engineer to a Change-Maker: How I Found the Career I Truly Wanted

Two Words Brought Me to Yamaha Motor:
“Africa” and “Challenge”

Since childhood, I dreamed of becoming an engineer and this led me to study industrial engineering at university in Tanzania. Anyone in this field inevitably encounters Japan’s renowned production systems, and I was no exception. Learning about Toyota's production systems, Kaizen, just-in-time manufacturing, and other Japanese innovations sparked my interest in Japan.

After graduating, I began my career at a beverage company in Tanzania. Africa's massive population has limited access to safe drinking water, so I realized the profound impact that widespread access to clean water could have on communities and the continent. I wanted to use my knowledge of production systems to contribute to that impact.

While working at the beverage company, a former supervisor from Germany advised me: “If you get an MBA to complement your technical skills, you’ll be an exceptional professional.” At that point, my routine of long hours dealing with machines as a production manager in one factory and as a plant engineer in another factory was becoming monotonous. Motivated by his advice, I applied to the ABE Initiative^*1 through JICA.^*2

I was familiar with Japanese business practices from my engineering background, which made the transition smoother. I was selected for the program and went to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University to pursue my master’s degree.

My parents never spent much on my education because I consistently earned scholarships, even in Tanzania. I continued this trend by securing a full-ride scholarship to Japan.

The ABE Initiative is aimed at supporting young professionals that can contribute to the development of industries and requires recipients to undergo an internship at a Japanese company. For me at the time, my mission in Japan was to go and work with water-related companies, so I looked up the biggest companies in the field and approached two. However, they wanted people who were quite fluent in Japanese, so that was an unfortunate missed opportunity. So, I decided to change my way of thinking and began looking for an internship with the criteria of “a company with a strong interest in Africa” and “a company that is taking on new challenges.” That was how I met Yamaha Motor.

*1: ABE Initiative: The African Business Education Initiative for Youth. This program is aimed at contributing to the development of young African leaders in industrial fields.

*2: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA): The agency charged with implementing Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs that provide aid to developing countries.

Experiencing an Open and Equal Corporate Culture Firsthand

During my study abroad in the quiet, hot-spring town of Beppu in Kyushu, I never imagined the cultural surprises awaiting me at Yamaha Motor’s headquarters in Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture. It’s a big company, so I thought everyone would be working in business suits, but when I showed up wearing my suit for my first day of work, nobody else was wearing one, whether they were young or older! I was so embarrassed and quickly took off my jacket and tie! It was all very surprising, and I didn’t expect it, but it’s one memory I won’t quickly forget! [laughs] That moment of embarrassment became a memorable introduction to Yamaha’s refreshingly open and egalitarian work culture.

The surprises didn’t end there. In Africa, executives usually have spacious private offices, separate from other employees. But at Yamaha Motor, it was a completely different scene; managers and supervisors sat alongside everyone else, their desks lined up in the same open workspace. Every morning before work starts, employees tidied up their workstations and even helped with cleaning and sweeping. Mornings began with group exercises to music, bringing everyone together regardless of title or position. This culture of openness and equality was unlike anything I had experienced before.

During my internship, I was assigned to a project on asset financing for establishing a last-mile delivery business in Africa. The idea was still in the discussion phase, but it resonated deeply with me as it aligned with my desire to take on new challenges and contribute to Africa’s growth. Although the internship was supposed to last three months, Yamaha Motor offered me a job just one month in. They asked, “When and where do you want to start working?” My immediate response was, “In Africa,” as my family was there. They were supportive of my choice, and after two years in Japan, I returned to Tanzania, working remotely after a short break.

My first assignment was in Kenya. The role required me to travel frequently, as I was based in Tanzania with my family. I found myself meeting diverse groups of people, building networks, and leading strategic discussions. It was a stark contrast to my previous routine of working long hours with machines in factories. This new role rekindled my passion for challenges and growth. The more I immersed myself in the work, the more I felt mentally refreshed and reinvigorated. It was exactly the change I needed.

Omary conducting employee training at the Tanzania office, covering topics like proper ethics, rules of conduct, and standards of behavior.

Analyzing the data collected on fuel consumption for each bike and rider and then sharing the insights found

Confirming the number of orders and associated delivery fees before settling payments to our clients. Reconciliation is done between the general administrator, operations, and inventory control.

Growing the Company into a Leader
in the Delivery Services Space in Tanzania

Japanese companies are often known for their adherence to tradition and long-standing values. While these principles have their strengths, MSB stands out for its innovative and flexible approach. It feels like a completely different company in how decisions are made, how people work, and how ideas are executed.

Take, for example, our Moto Business Service Nigeria (MBSN)^*1 project. The initiative leverages various mobility products under MSB’s ownership to create asset management solutions. This allows individuals who can’t afford their own vehicles to use MSB’s motorcycles and three-wheelers to earn a living as bike taxi drivers. What’s particularly groundbreaking is that MSB didn’t restrict this initiative to Yamaha-brand vehicles; it also provides financing for other brands. This level of flexibility is rare among traditional Japanese companies, showcasing MSB’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric thinking.

In addition to my involvement with MBSN, I engaged in proof-of-concept projects with partners across Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, and other African countries. My current role as General Administrator Manager at CourieMate Tanzania^*2 involves a wide range of tasks, including training staff on Yamaha’s values and corporate culture; handling HR, legal, and accounting matters; conducting risk assessments; and offering back-office support. These responsibilities allow me to fully understand and contribute to Yamaha’s brand value while simultaneously building my own business acumen.

This hands-on experience is essential for my career growth. I am continually developing a versatile skill set, not just by adding more skills but by acquiring diverse ones. My aim is to accumulate all the competencies needed to be able to lead a multinational company one day.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this job is the opportunity to take on new challenges. Every day is different and I am constantly doing things I’ve never done before, which keeps me motivated and inspired.

What is “experience” to me personally? It’s an accumulation of mistakes. At MSB, mistakes aren’t exactly “encouraged,” but they are seen as valuable learning opportunities. This open mindset towards trial-and-error fosters both individual and organizational growth.

The last-mile delivery market in Tanzania is still in its infancy, with no dominant players yet. This presents a massive opportunity for growth and innovation. My vision is to position CourieMate as the leader in this emerging sector. It’s an ambitious goal, but it perfectly aligns with my personal mission of driving impactful change through strategic challenges. This vision isn’t just about capturing market share; it’s about pioneering a new industry standard in Tanzania. It’s the challenge I’ve set for myself and I’m fully committed to making it a reality.