In 2022, I came across the name Michael Shirima when he launched his book, On My Father’s Wings. Being someone who loves reading autobiographies, I was excited to get to know more about him. I hadn’t heard of him before, even though he was a major figure in Tanzania. Sadly, in June 2023, Shirima passed away at the age of 80, just as I was learning about his remarkable life.
Before his book, I had only known about some of the wealthiest Tanzanians like Mo Dewji from MeTL Group, Ally Awadh from Lake Oil, and Rostam Aziz. Shirima’s name hadn’t been as widely mentioned, but after his book came out, and especially after his death, more people became aware of his story.
This is the story of Michael Shirima, a man who not only founded Precision Air, one of Tanzania’s top airlines, but also touched many lives through his work and philanthropy. His life, as told in his book, is an inspiring journey filled with lessons that we can all learn from.
Who Was Michael Shirima?
Michael Ngaleku Shirima was born on January 1, 1943, in Usseri, Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. He grew up in a humble family and went to school in Tanzania. After finishing his early education, he studied at the University College of Nairobi, which is now known as the University of Nairobi. Later, he traveled to Scotland to attend the Aviation College in Perth, where he graduated as a certified aircraft performance engineer. This qualification allowed him to start working in the aviation industry, which would eventually shape his entire career.
His journey in aviation began with East African Airways (EAC), a company that later collapsed in 1977. After that, he helped establish Air Tanzania Corporation (ATC), which is now known as Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL). In 1979, Shirima resigned from his job at ATC, where he was Executive Director of Operations, because he didn’t like how politics was interfering with the airline’s operations. He wanted to work in a way that allowed him to focus on doing things the right way, without too much outside control.
Starting His Business Journey
After leaving Air Tanzania, Shirima could have given up on the aviation industry, but instead, he saw it as an opportunity to build something of his own. He started a crop-dusting service using a leased airplane. Crop-dusting is when planes are used to spray pesticides over crops, protecting them from pests and disease. This may have been a small start, but it was an important step toward building the future he dreamed of.
Next, Shirima got into coffee growing, processing, and export. This business allowed him to learn more about international trade and how to run a successful company. Over time, he became a seasoned entrepreneur, ready to take on bigger challenges.
Then came Precision Air. In 1993, Shirima decided to start his own airline. At first, the company was very small. It had just one plane, a Piper Aztec, which was a twin-engine five-seater aircraft. Precision Air’s main customers were tourists who wanted to visit some of Tanzania’s most popular attractions, like Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. The company also flew people to other beautiful locations like Unguja, one of the islands that make up Zanzibar.
Despite starting with only one plane, Shirima was determined to grow the airline. As more and more people discovered Precision Air, the company acquired more planes and expanded its services. By 2003, Precision Air had grown so much that Kenya Airways, the largest airline in East Africa, bought 49% of the company for $2 million. This partnership allowed Precision Air to continue growing and serving even more customers.
In 2011, Precision Air listed its stock on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, giving more people the opportunity to invest in the company. As of 2015, Shirima was still the largest shareholder, showing his continued dedication to the business he had built from the ground up.
Philanthropy and Giving Back
Although Shirima achieved great success in business, he never forgot about the importance of helping others. He was deeply committed to philanthropy and improving the lives of people in his community. One of his greatest contributions was the Cornel Ngaleku Orphanage, which he founded in his hometown of Rombo in the Kilimanjaro Region. The orphanage provides a home for homeless children who would otherwise be living on the streets in different Tanzanian cities.
Shirima didn’t just see himself as a businessman; he believed in giving back and making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Through the orphanage, he gave children not just a home, but hope and a chance at a better future.
Aside from his work with the orphanage, Shirima was also involved in other community activities. He served as the chairman of the Tanzania Golf Union, showing his passion for sports and his desire to support the growth of golf in Tanzania.
The Story Behind His Book: On My Father’s Wings
In 2022, Michael Shirima decided to share his life story in his book, On My Father’s Wings: An Entrepreneurial Journey of Finding Humility, Resiliency, and a Lasting Legacy. This book is more than just a memoir; it’s a deeply personal account of his life, his challenges, and the lessons he learned along the way.
One of the key themes in the book is Shirima’s relationship with his father. His father’s wisdom played a huge role in shaping who he became as a man and as a businessman. In the book, Shirima talks about how his father’s guidance helped him make tough decisions and stay grounded, even as he built a successful business.
The book also provides a look at Shirima’s journey from being an aircraft performance engineer to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He didn’t shy away from sharing both the good and bad parts of his story. For instance, when he left Air Tanzania, it was a risky move. He had a stable job but chose to walk away because he wanted to start his own business. This decision was hard, but it ended up being one of the best choices he ever made.
What’s interesting about On My Father’s Wings is that it doesn’t just focus on Shirima’s business achievements. It also talks about his personal life, including his role as a husband and father. He was not just successful in business but also in building a strong, loving family. His story is a reminder that there’s more to life than just making money; relationships and personal values are just as important.
Lessons from Michael Shirima’s Life
There are many lessons we can learn from Michael Shirima’s life and his book. Here are just a few that stand out:
- Taking Risks: One of the biggest lessons from Shirima’s story is the importance of taking risks. He could have stayed in his comfortable job at Air Tanzania, but he chose to take a risk by leaving and starting his own business. Even though it was scary at first, that decision led to the creation of Precision Air, a company that changed the aviation industry in Tanzania.
- Staying Humble: Despite his success, Shirima always remained humble. He understood that he didn’t achieve everything on his own and that the support of his family, friends, and employees played a big role in his success. His humility is something we can all learn from, no matter where we are in life.
- Kindness Matters: Shirima believed in treating everyone with kindness, whether they were rich or poor, young or old. He didn’t judge people based on their status or background. This kind-heartedness extended to his work with the orphanage and his efforts to help others in need. It’s a reminder that kindness can have a big impact on the world around us.
- Never Give Up: Shirima’s journey wasn’t always smooth. He faced many challenges along the way, but he never gave up. His story shows us the importance of resilience — the ability to keep going even when things get tough. He didn’t let setbacks stop him from achieving his dreams.
Shirima’s Lasting Legacy
Michael Shirima’s life is an incredible example of what can happen when you combine hard work, determination, and kindness. Through Precision Air, he transformed the aviation industry in Tanzania, making it easier for people to travel within the country and to other parts of East Africa. But his legacy goes beyond business.
Through the Cornel Ngaleku Orphanage, Shirima helped change the lives of many children who would have otherwise been left without hope. His dedication to helping others shows that success is not just about how much money you make, but how much of a positive impact you have on the world.
Even after his passing, Shirima’s influence continues to be felt. Precision Air is still one of the leading airlines in Tanzania, and the orphanage continues to provide a safe haven for children in need. His life is a powerful reminder that success is about more than just personal achievements — it’s about creating a lasting legacy that benefits others.
Why You Should Read On My Father’s Wings
If you’re looking for an inspiring story that teaches valuable life lessons, Michael Shirima’s book On My Father’s Wings is a great choice. The book gives readers a deep insight into the mind of a successful entrepreneur while also highlighting the importance of family, kindness, and resilience.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a student, or just someone who loves a good story, this book will leave you with a lot to think about. It’s a reminder that no matter where you start in life, with hard work and a good heart, you can achieve great things.
Michael Shirima may not have been as widely known as some of Tanzania’s other business leaders, but his contributions to the country and its people are undeniable. His story is one of resilience, humility, and a deep commitment to helping others. Through his business ventures and his philanthropy, Shirima left a lasting impact on Tanzania that will be remembered for years to come.
His book On My Father’s Wings is not just a memoir; it’s a guide to living a meaningful life, filled with lessons on kindness, perseverance, and the importance of family. If you’re looking for inspiration or simply want to learn more about one of Tanzania’s most remarkable individuals, this book is a must-read.
