When I Grow Up, I Want to Be Like Mirwais Azizi

They say childhood dreams shape who we become. When I was young, I pictured being an astronaut, then a filmmaker, then somehow an entrepreneur. But lately, I’ve been thinking about Mirwais Azizi, often called the richest person in Afghanistan, and how his path inspires the kind of life I want. A life that is bold, impactful, and deeply rooted.

From Kabul to a Global Empire

Mirwais Azizi was born in Kabul in 1962 and graduated in law from Kabul University. He left Afghanistan in 1988, fueled by ambition and a dream bigger than borders. Fast forward: Azizi founded Azizi Group in 1989. No flashy launch, just a vision. He built it into a banking, real estate, investment, hospitality, and petroleum empire.

In 2006, he launched Azizi Bank in Kabul with a modest $7.5 million in equity. Today the bank has about $80 million in capital, 56 branches, and over 1,300 employees. As Afghan’s largest private bank, it’s a cornerstone of national growth. I constantly wish that it was me, Clinton Wanjala who had this kind of legacy, Azizi is really a great man, especially when it comes to finance and development.

Meanwhile, Azizi Developments in Dubai now holds 200+ projects valued around AED 45 billion; residential towers, commercial hubs, and even what’s set to be Dubai’s second-tallest tower. He also became a pioneer in Afghanistan’s energy sector, supplying some 70% of its petroleum products via Azizi Hotak Group, operating across ten countries.

Who Else Makes the List?

Sure, Mirwais Azizi often tops the list as the richest person in Afghanistan. Fineducke estimates his net worth at around $1.5 billion, all this money just for one person, but lets not forget that he worked for it.

But he’s not alone in the billion-dollar club:

• Ehsan Bayat, founder of Afghan Wireless and Ariana TV, reportedly net worth ~$950 million–$1.2 billion.
• Zamari Kamgar, in trading and logistics, by some estimates has $1.1 billion.
• Mahmood Karzai, in real estate and energy, around $900 million.
• Fahim Hashimy, media and logistics, also a major figure but a bit lower on the list.

These entrepreneurs built meaningful legacies in telecom, media, construction, trading and they’ve shaped sectors crucial to Afghanistan’s growth.

Why Mirwais Azizi Stands Apart

1. Truly diversified, from banking to oil

Other billionaires concentrate in one or two sectors. Azizi’s strength is how he spread across banking, real estate, petroleum, hospitality, and investment in two global hubs; Kabul and Dubai. It’s rare, it’s bold.

2. He built respected financial institutions

Azizi Bank isn’t just big but also respected. And when he acquired Bakhtar Bank and converted it into the Islamic Bank of Afghanistan, he made serious moves to modernize financial systems.

3. He rescued customers during crisis

In the 2008 global financial crisis, as many developers froze, Mirwais did the unexpected by refunding buyers who couldn’t pay off plan in Dubai. That’s integrity in action, not just profit chasing.

4. A global builder with Afghan heart

He kept investing in Afghanistan even while operating out of Dubai through education (trustee at American University of Afghanistan), philanthropy, and infrastructure commitment. That dual devotion is uncommon among globally-minded investors.

5. A genuine self-made story

Born amid war, fleeing at 26 with few resources, Mirwais Azizi built an empire that spans continents. He’s often dubbed “the Mukesh Ambani of Afghanistan” because of his ambition rooted in national uplift.

What ‘Richest Person in Afghanistan’ Really Means

Being the richest person in Afghanistan isn’t just about billions but impact. Azizi’s path shows:

• Modern economy builders: A modern bank, multi-sector growth, cross-border investments.
• Ethical leadership: Refunds instead of closures, customer care over cash.
• Loyalty to homeland: Investing back in education, jobs, and finance in Afghanistan.
• Global ambition with local roots: Dubai skyscrapers and Afghan reconstruction.

He isn’t just the richest but also the one who built institutions, not just wealth.

For My Journey (What I Want to Learn)

When I grow up, I want to be like Mirwais Azizi in a few clear ways:

• Dream big, but stay grounded: Think global, act local, serve your roots.
• Diversify smartly: Don’t just pick one path; learn, spread, adapt.
• Act with integrity: Do the right thing; even if it costs money in the moment.
• Invest in people: Growth isn’t just about profits, it’s about community and education.

My conclusion

Mirwais Azizi didn’t just become the richest person in Afghanistan, he redefined what that means. He mixed ambition with ethics, global vision with national loyalty, and built real institutions, not just a bank account.

That’s the curve I want to bend. I want to dream like Mirwais, operate with integrity, and build something that outlasts me; something deeply meaningful, across borders and generations.