Mohammed Dewji, a prominent Tanzanian businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, currently serves as the President of MeTL Group. This conglomerate, established by his father in the 1970s, has seen exponential growth under Mohammed’s leadership. From 1999 to 2022, he spearheaded the company’s expansion, raising its revenues from $30 million to an impressive $2 billion. The MeTL Group now operates in various sectors, including textiles, energy, agriculture, real estate, and FMCG. With business activities spread across eight countries, the group employs over 34,800 people and contributes significantly to Tanzania’s economy, accounting for about 3.3% of the nation’s GDP.
In addition to his business endeavors, Mohammed Dewji also made his mark in politics, representing his hometown of Singida as a Member of Parliament from 2005 to 2015. His success has been recognized globally, with Forbes naming him the 15th richest person in Africa in 2022, with a net worth of approximately $1.5 billion. For six years, he held the title of the youngest billionaire in Africa. Mohammed was the first Tanzanian to feature on the cover of Forbes Africa in 2013, and in 2015, he was named Forbes Person of the Year. His influence in the investment space was further acknowledged when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him to the country’s investment advisory council in 2021, a role he continues to hold.
Beyond his corporate success, Mohammed Dewji has been deeply involved in philanthropic activities through the Mo Dewji Foundation, which he established in 2014. The foundation focuses on initiatives in education, health, gender empowerment, and community development, aiming to uplift the well-being of Tanzanians. His commitment to philanthropy was recognized by Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, which awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2022. He also had the honor of delivering the commencement address at the McDonough School’s graduation ceremony that year.
In 2016, Mohammed became part of the Giving Pledge, a movement initiated by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates to encourage the world’s wealthiest individuals to donate a significant portion of their wealth to charitable causes. As the first Tanzanian and one of the few Africans to make this pledge, Mohammed’s involvement underscores his dedication to addressing global challenges through philanthropy. His commitment to giving back reflects his vision of using his wealth and influence to drive positive change across Africa.
Apart from his business and philanthropic pursuits, Mohammed has invested in Tanzanian sports, holding a 49% stake in Simba Sports Club, the country’s largest football club. Since his $20 million investment, Simba SC has achieved significant milestones, including reaching the quarterfinals of the African Champions League. This investment has elevated the club’s status, making it one of the top 20 football clubs on the continent. As of 2024, with an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion, Mohammed Dewji continues to be a leading figure in African business, combining a wealth of experience, humility, and a strong voice for investment on the continent.
