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Billionaire Profile
Mohammed Dewji
Global Rank
#1950

Image: User:Kakatabu | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Mohammed Dewji

CEO, Diversified
TANZANIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.094B
Estimated based on Diversified stock value as of March 6, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
50
Source
Diversified
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
TANZANIA

Biography

Mohammed Dewji, born in Singida, Tanzania on May 8, 1975, is a Tanzanian businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. With a diversified source of wealth, he is the President and CEO of MeTL Group, a Tanzanian conglomerate. Dewji's career began in 1999 when he joined his father's trading company, transforming it into a major industrial group in East Africa. He served as a Member of Parliament from 2005 to 2015. As of 2024, Dewji's net worth is $2.2 billion, making him the richest person in East Africa and the 12th richest in Africa. His achievements include expanding MeTL Group's revenues, creating numerous jobs, and his commitment to philanthropy through the Mo Dewji Foundation.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Mohammed Gulamabbas Dewji was born on May 8, 1975, in Singida, Tanzania. His parents are Gulamabbas Dewji and Zubeda Dewji. He is of Shia Muslim faith. His family has roots in Gujarat, India, and came to East Africa in the late 1800s. His grandmother had a small shop where she sold basic items in Singida. Dewji almost died at birth due to a nuchal cord.

Rise to Success

Dewji's father built a successful import-export company in the 1970s. Dewji graduated from Georgetown University in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in international business and finance with a minor in theology. He became the CEO of MeTL Group in 2005. Under his leadership, MeTL's revenues increased significantly. Dewji served as a Member of Parliament for Singida from 2005 to 2015.

Key Business Strategies

Dewji is the CEO of MeTL Group, a major conglomerate in Tanzania. The company has investments in textiles, energy, petroleum, agriculture, insurance, mobile telephony, transport and logistics, trading, real estate, and food and beverages. MeTL operates in 10 African countries. Dewji is responsible for increasing MeTL's revenues. He plans to take his company public in 10 years.

Philanthropy

In 2014, Dewji established the Mo Dewji Foundation, which focuses on education, health, and water accessibility. He joined the Giving Pledge in 2016, promising to donate at least half his wealth to philanthropy.

Career Milestones

1999

Joined MeTL Group

Began working at MeTL Group, the family business.

2005

CEO of MeTL Group

Became the CEO of MeTL Group.

2005-2015

Member of Parliament

Served as a Member of Parliament for Singida.

2014

Founded Mo Dewji Foundation

Established the Mo Dewji Foundation to focus on education, health, and water accessibility.

2016

Joined The Giving Pledge

Committed to donating at least half of his wealth to philanthropic causes.

2015

Forbes Africa Person of the Year

Recognized as Forbes Africa's Person of the Year.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education, Health, Community Development

Mo Dewji Foundation

$6B+

Focuses on education, health, community development, water accessibility, and gender empowerment in Tanzania.

Philanthropy

Giving Pledge

50%+ of wealth

Committed to donating at least half his fortune to philanthropic causes.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“I learned that what is important is how much impact you make in society, the jobs that you create and the lives that you touch.”"

Controversies & Challenges

2018

Kidnapping

Kidnapped at gunpoint in Dar es Salaam and released after nine days.

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