Early Life and Education of Mohammed Dewji
Mohammed Dewji was born on May 8, 1975, in Singida, Tanzania, into a Gujarati Indian family that migrated to East Africa in the late 1800s. His grandmother started a small shop, which his father, Gulamabbas Dewji, later expanded into Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited (MeTL) Group in the 1970s.
Dewji attended Arusha Primary School and later the International School of Tanganyika (IST) in Dar es Salaam, where he gained a strong academic foundation and global exposure. For higher education, he moved to the United States, earning a bachelor’s degree in international business and finance from Georgetown University in 1998.
His education at Georgetown provided him with business expertise and leadership skills, which he later applied to transform MeTL Group into a multinational conglomerate upon his return to Tanzania in 1999.
Business Career of Mohammed Dewji
After returning to Tanzania in 1999, Mohammed Dewji joined MeTL Group, transforming it from a wholesale trading house into a diversified multinational conglomerate. Under his leadership, the company expanded into textiles, flour milling, beverages, edible oils, agriculture, logistics, and finance, operating across Eastern, Southern, and Central Africa.
Between 1999 and 2018, MeTL’s revenues grew from $30 million to over $1.5 billion, making it one of Africa’s largest businesses. Dewji’s strategic investments, focus on local production, and expansion into new markets fueled this growth. Today, MeTL Group is one of Tanzania’s biggest private-sector employers, contributing significantly to the region’s economic development.
A Legacy of Leadership and Philanthropy
Mohammed Dewji entered politics in 2005 and served as a Member of Parliament for Singida Urban under the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party until 2015. During his two terms, he prioritized economic reforms and development projects to improve infrastructure, education, and healthcare in his constituency. His contributions included funding road construction, enhancing access to clean water, building and renovating schools, providing scholarships, and supporting hospitals and medical programs.
Beyond politics, Dewji is a dedicated philanthropist. In 2014, he established the Mo Dewji Foundation, focusing on education, healthcare, and community development in Tanzania. Through his foundation, he has funded school construction, scholarships for underprivileged students, healthcare initiatives, and women’s empowerment programs.
In a historic move, he became the first Tanzanian to join the Giving Pledge, committing to donate at least half of his wealth to philanthropic causes. His ongoing efforts continue to impact lives, reinforcing his dedication to social and economic progress in Tanzania.
Personal Life
Mohammed Dewji is married to Saira Dewji, and they have three children. The family resides in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
In October 2018, Dewji was kidnapped in Dar es Salaam by armed assailants. After nine days in captivity, he was released unharmed under unclear circumstances. The incident highlighted security concerns for high-profile business figures in Africa.
The Legacy of Gulamabbas Dewji
Gulamabbas Dewji, Mohammed’s father, played a crucial role in transforming a small trading business into MeTL Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Tanzania. His entrepreneurial acumen and vision laid the foundation for Mohammed Dewji’s success.
Under Mohammed’s leadership, MeTL Group has expanded across multiple sectors and countries, demonstrating the impact of visionary entrepreneurship on Tanzania’s economy.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
As of February 2025, Mohammed Dewji continues to lead MeTL Group, focusing on expanding its footprint across Africa and contributing to Tanzania’s economic growth.
In recent developments, Dewji has announced plans to list an agriculture company on the New York or London Stock Exchange under a $4-billion investment plan backed by development banks. This initiative aims to enhance food security in Africa and further solidify his commitment to economic development.