note:I had the honor of befriending Tony. We shared a deep commitment to empowering African youth, especially in Malawi, through skills training and socioeconomic development. In 2017, we co-founded the AIM Foundation in Lilongwe.
Tony, born Irfan Karim, was the third son of Iqbal Karim Tayub. Gifted with intelligence and restlessness, he gravitated early toward practical work with his father rather than traditional academics. This early exposure served as a hands-on, project-based education that laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial success in Lilongwe, Malawi.
In the 1980s, he moved to the United Kingdom with his extended family. Life was challenging, but he persevered, working tirelessly in informal markets while supporting his family. These formative years forged his resilience and leadership skills.
Returning to Malawi in the 1990s, Tony rejoined his family business and quickly expanded into wholesale and distribution. With boundless energy, he explored diverse sectors, including printing, real estate, and energy.
In 2006, he acquired Impression Printers Limited (IPL) and revolutionized its operations. Under his leadership, IPL became a market leader, setting new standards in quality and service delivery in the printing industry in Malawi.