Mohammed Dewji

$2.09 B

Ranked #1951 in World

About Mohammed Dewji

Mohammed "Mo" Gulamabbas Dewji, born on May 8, 1975, in Singida, Tanzania, is a prominent figure in Tanzania's business and philanthropic sectors. As the owner of MeTL Group, a conglomerate with diverse investments across manufacturing, agriculture, and more, he elevated the company's revenues from $30 million to over $1.5 billion between 1999 and 2018. With a net worth of $1.9 billion in 2019, Dewji stands as Africa's youngest billionaire. Beyond his business acumen, Dewji has made significant contributions to society through the Mo Dewji Foundation and his commitment to the Giving Pledge. His educational journey spans from Tanzania to Georgetown University in the USA, where he obtained a Bachelor's in International Business and Finance. Despite a harrowing kidnapping incident in 2018, Dewji continues to influence through his business success and benefactions, embodying a leading figure in Africa's economic and philanthropic landscapes.

Born

May 08, 1975 in Singida, Tanzania

Age

50 years

Source Of Wealth

Diversified

Industries

Diversified

Citizenship

Tanzania

Residence

Dar es Salaam

Spouse

Saira Dewji

Children

Mohammed "Mo" Gulamabbas Dewji was born on May 8, 1975, in Singida, Tanzania. He was raised in a Shia Muslim family and has two siblings. His father, Gulamabbas Dewji, founded the MeTL Group, a Tanzanian conglomerate, in the 1970s.

Mohammed Dewji: Family

Mo Dewji is married to Saira, and they have three children together. The family resides in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Mohammed Dewji: Career Highlights

Mo Dewji is the owner of MeTL Group, a Tanzanian conglomerate founded by his father in the 1970s. He joined the company in 1999 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the CEO in 2005. Under his leadership, MeTL Group has grown significantly, increasing its revenues from $30 million to over $1.5 billion between 1999 and 2018.

MeTL Group has investments in various sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, trading, finance, mobile telephony, insurance, real estate, transport and logistics, and food and beverages. The group conducts business in 11 countries and employs over 28,000 people. MeTL's operations contribute approximately 3.5% of Tanzania's GDP.

Mohammed Dewji: Companies

Mo Dewji is the owner of MeTL Group, which has investments in the following companies:

MeTL Group
Simba Cement
MeTL Steel
MeTL Flour Mills
MeTL Sugar
MeTL Oil and Gas
MeTL Mobile
MeTL Insurance
MeTL Real Estate
MeTL Transport and Logistics
MeTL Food and Beverages

Mohammed Dewji: Major Achievements

Mo Dewji is a successful businessman and philanthropist. He has been recognized for his achievements both in Tanzania and internationally. Some of his major achievements include:

Increasing MeTL Group's revenues from $30 million to over $1.5 billion between 1999 and 2018.
Expanding MeTL Group's operations to 11 countries.
Creating over 28,000 jobs.
Contributing approximately 3.5% to Tanzania's GDP.
Establishing the Mo Dewji Foundation in 2014.
Joining the Giving Pledge, committing to give at least half his wealth to philanthropy.

Mohammed Dewji: Awards & Achievements

Mo Dewji has received numerous awards and recognitions for his achievements in business and philanthropy.

Some of his notable awards include:

2012: Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum
2014: 10 Most Powerful Men In Africa, Forbes Magazine
2014: African Philanthropist of the Year Award by the African Leadership magazine
2014: Top 100 of young economic leaders
2015: Philanthropist of the Year Award for the East African region by All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA)
2015: Business Leader of the Year Award by African Business Magazine
2015: Forbes Africa's Person Of The Year 2015
2016: Choiseul 100 Africa 2016: Economic Leaders for Tomorrow
2022: Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University

Mohammed Dewji: Personal Life & Legacy

Mo Dewji is a devout Shia Muslim and is actively involved in philanthropic activities. He established the Mo Dewji Foundation in 2014 to support various social causes, including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. He is also a member of the Giving Pledge, committing to give at least half his wealth to philanthropy.

Mo Dewji is a role model for many young people in Tanzania and Africa. He has shown that it is possible to achieve great success through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Mohammed Dewji: Trivia

Mo Dewji is an avid golfer and a fan of Manchester United Football Club. He is also a licensed pilot.

In October 2018, Mo Dewji was kidnapped outside the Colosseum Hotel in Dar es Salaam. He was released 10 days later after being held for ransom. No ransom was paid, according to Dewji.

Wealth History

Timeline

May 8, 1975

Mohammed "Mo" Gulamabbas Dewji is born in Singida, Tanzania.

1999

Dewji takes over MeTL Group, a Tanzanian conglomerate founded by his father in the 1970s.

2001

Dewji marries Saira.

2005

Dewji is elected to the Tanzanian Parliament for Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), representing Singida Urban.

2012

Dewji is named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

2014

Dewji is named one of the 10 Most Powerful Men In Africa by Forbes Magazine.

2014

Dewji is awarded the African Philanthropist of the Year Award by the African Leadership magazine.

2014

Dewji is named to the Top 100 of young economic leaders.

2015

Dewji is awarded the Philanthropist of the Year Award for the East African region by All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA).

2015

Dewji is awarded the Business Leader of the Year Award by African Business Magazine.

2015

Dewji is named Forbes Africa's Person Of The Year 2015.

October 2015

Dewji resigns from politics.

2016

Dewji is named to the Choiseul 100 Africa 2016: Economic Leaders for Tomorrow.

October 11, 2018

Dewji is kidnapped outside the Colosseum Hotel in Dar es Salaam.

October 20, 2018

Dewji is released after being held for 10 days.

2022

Dewji receives an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University.

Mohammed Dewji : FAQs

What is Mohammed Dewji's current net worth?

Mohammed Dewji's current net worth is $2.09 billion.

What is Mohammed Dewji's current global rank among billionaires?

Mohammed Dewji holds the 1951st position globally among billionaires.

What is Mohammed Dewji's current ranking within the Tanzania?

Mohammed Dewji holds the 1st position in Tanzania.

What was the change in Mohammed Dewji's net worth compared to the previous year?

Mohammed Dewji's net worth decreased by 76.14 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 2.17 billion dollars.

What are Mohammed Dewji's main sources of wealth?

Mohammed Dewji's main source of income comes from Diversified.

In which industry does Mohammed Dewji primarily operate?

Mohammed Dewji is primarily involved in the Diversified industry.

How old is Mohammed Dewji?

Mohammed Dewji is 50 years old.

How many children does Mohammed Dewji have?

Mohammed Dewji has 3 children.

Who is Mohammed Mo Gulamabbas Dewji, and what is his contribution to Tanzania's economy?

Mohammed 'Mo' Gulamabbas Dewji is a Tanzanian businessman and the owner of MeTL Group, a conglomerate with investments across several sectors, contributing approximately 3.5% to Tanzania's GDP. From 1999 to 2018, he grew MeTL's revenues from $30 million to over $1.5 billion, employing over 28,000 people in 11 countries.

What are Mo Dewji's educational qualifications and background?

Mo Dewji attended Arusha Primary School, the International School of Tanganyika, and completed his high school education in the USA before earning a Bachelor's degree in International Business and Finance, with a minor in Theology from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., USA.

How has Mo Dewji contributed to philanthropy and community development?

Mo Dewji established the Mo Dewji Foundation in 2014 and joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half his wealth to philanthropic causes. He has been recognized for his contributions with several awards, including African Philanthropist of the Year Award by African Leadership magazine in 2014.

What is known about Mo Dewji's personal life, including his family and beliefs?

Mo Dewji was born on May 8, 1975, in Singida, Tanzania, and is a Shia Muslim (Twelver Shia). He is married to Saira since 2001 and has three children. Dewji resides in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

What notable awards and recognitions has Mo Dewji received throughout his career?

Mo Dewji has received numerous awards, including being named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2012, Forbes Magazine's 10 Most Powerful Men In Africa in 2014, and Forbes Africa's Person Of The Year in 2015. He also received an Honorary Doctorate from McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University in 2022.