Our Story.
More than half a century ago, companies such as GBO, UAC and Unilever helped shape the foundations of modern trade across Africa. Their early work created the commercial pathways that many businesses still rely on today. When the oil crisis and the rise of PLCs in the 1980s pushed major restructuring across the industry, Unilever shifted its focus to manufacturing and began divesting non core operations. Divisions including retail, distribution, motors, textiles and building materials were sold off or stopped.
It was during this time of change that Bernard Scott chose to leave GBO, UAC and Unilever after 28 years of employment to begin building his own business. The entrepreneurial journey started in 1988 with the registration of Altruistic Limited, a company initially focused on trading niche products and supporting early clients. Altruistic, “for the benefit of others” was about providing a service which has remained a core strategy to this day.
Bernard had made some great connections in Africa and started general trading, everything from pigs feet, fishing nets and wall tiles. Then an early opportunity came along with Panasonic in Liberia which helped the business to expand and establish this young trading entity. Bernards sons Paul joined in 1990, and during the 1990s, Altruistic Limited became three specialist companies to cover different sectors. B&B Exports International Ltd developed partnerships in food and beverages with brands such as Kellogg’s, Mars, Tesco, Rowntree Mackintosh / Nestle and Wilkinson Sword. Kensington Pharmaceuticals Ltd focused on OTC and ethical pharma, own brand pharma products. Kensington Architectural Ltd supplied building materials and architectural ironmongery products with suppliers including British Gypsum, Dexion and Porcelenosa.
In 1999, these operations were brought together under Kensington International Marketing Company Ltd, with a focus on the FMCG and pharmaceutical sectors and a growing commitment to Africa as the priority market.
The early 2000s marked the emergence of ‘KIMCO Africa’ as Kensington International Marketing Company Ltd evolved into the KIMCO name which is recognised today and synonymous with Africa and emerging markets. Operations expanded with the opening of an office in Nigeria in 2001. During this decade, KIMCO introduced structured service offerings that allowed clients to choose between Trade Services and Consulting Services. The business model matured into a hybrid of broker, distributor and export department, positioning KIMCO as a trusted partner for building brands across Africa.
Between 2010 and 2020, KIMCO witnessed a decade of interest and expansion from many companies looking at Africa and emerging markets, and although this led to KIMCO developing many new clients and multi-country & multi-distributor networks across Africa and the Middle East, it also became a victim of its own success. Some clients and suppliers went it alone. Like parents saying goodbye to their adult children, they were established by KIMCO and now those multinationals could invest hundreds of millions in the region based on credibility built by the KIMCO Master Distributor outsourcing model. A good example was Kellogg’s, who after 18 years with KIMCO, invested $850m in infrastructure to take them to the next level. A bitter-sweet moment after so many years working so closely together.
Given these experiences, where companies wanted our knowledge and expertise ‘ a different way’ we launched Trendtype, and based on our desire to build our own brand equity, we launched Anchor Brands to develop and nurture high potential FMCG and pharmaceutical brands.
From 2020 to the present day, KIMCO has evolved, adapted and continued to believe that agility is a key feature which defines the sector in which it operates.
The COVID pandemic and subsequent wars significantly reshaped global trade, geopolitics and prompted the company to strengthen its on the ground resources to deliver faster and more flexible support. Introducing the Global Partners Programme to have proximity to markets with a expansive and unique network of category specialist and regional experts is industry leading and gives KIMCO an elite advantage.
Today, KIMCO stands as a symbol of bold entrepreneurship, international reach, and unwavering dedication to helping brands succeed in Africa and now beyond. We offer a truly International footprint with an experienced head office providing centralised services. From its early roots to its current multi-service, multi-country operations, our story continues to be defined by vision, innovation, and resilience.
Testimonials.
Our Client Experience.
