Tanzanian businessman Mo Dewji named East Africa’s only billionaire worth Sh284.9 billion
Dewji, commonly known as Mo, is now worth $2.2 billion (Sh284.9 billion), making him the richest person in East Africa and the only billionaire from the region to feature on the prestigious list.
Tanzanian businessman Mohammed Dewji has been named among the world’s wealthiest individuals, according to Forbes’ 2025 rankings.
Dewji, commonly known as Mo, is now worth $2.2 billion (Sh284.9 billion), making him the richest person in East Africa and the only billionaire from the region to feature on the prestigious list.
He ranks 12th in Africa, solidifying his influence in the business world.
According to Forbes, Dewji’s net worth has surged from $1.8 billion (Sh233.1 billion) last year, continuing an upward trajectory after growing from $1.5 billion (Sh194.3 billion) to $1.8 billion (Sh233.1 billion) in 2024.
Despite his immense wealth, Dewji remains committed to job creation and economic empowerment. Through his company, Mohamed Enterprises Limited (MeTL), Forbes notes that he has created 40,000 jobs across 126 businesses.
It adds that his vision is to expand employment opportunities to 100,000 for Tanzanians and East Africans.
"I am deeply committed to empowering my fellow Tanzanians and East Africans through job creation and sustainable business practices," Dewji previously said.
Beyond business, Forbes has recognised Dewji as a dedicated philanthropist. Through the Mo Dewji Foundation, he has collaborated with Tanzania’s Ministry of Water to drill, rehabilitate and treat wells, providing over 15,000 people with access to clean drinking water.
Dewji, 49, serves as the CEO of MeTL, a conglomerate founded by his father in the 1970s. The company operates in 10 African countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda, with ventures spanning textile manufacturing, flour milling, beverages, and edible oils.
In 2016, he joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donating at least half his fortune to philanthropy.
“It is our duty to give back to society and create a lasting impact for future generations,” Dewji once said of his philanthropic commitment.
According to Forbes, the collective fortunes for African Billionaires has surpassed $100 billion for the first time. The continent’s 22 billionaires now hold a combined net worth of $105 billion (Sh13.6 trillion), up from $82.4 billion (Sh10.7 trillion) in 2024.
Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote remains Africa’s richest person for the 14th consecutive year, with a fortune of $23.9 billion (Sh3.1 trillion), up from $13.9 billion (Sh1.8 trillion) a year ago.
According to Forbes, his rise in wealth has been attributed to the valuation of his refinery, which began refining oil in early 2024 after years of delays.
“This is a very, very big relief,” Dangote, 67, told Forbes in February, describing the refinery’s launch as “a pivotal step in ensuring that Africa has the capacity to refine its own crude oil, thereby creating wealth and prosperity for its vast population.”
South African billionaire Johann Rupert holds the second spot with a fortune of $14 billion (Sh1.8 trillion), an increase of 39 per cent from last year. Rupert is the chairman of Compagnie Financiere Richemont, known for luxury brands such as Cartier and Montblanc.
The third spot is held by Nicky Oppenheimer, heir to the De Beers diamond fortune, with a net worth of $10.4 billion (Sh1.3 trillion). He sold his family’s 40 per cent stake in De Beers to Anglo American for $5.1 billion (Sh660.5 billion) in cash in 2012.
Other billionaires on the list include Egypt’s Nassef Sawiris with $9.6 billion (Sh1.2 trillion), Nigeria’s Mike Adenuga at $6.8 billion (Sh880.6 billion), and Abdulsamad Rabiu of Nigeria with $5.1 billion (Sh660.5 billion).
Naguib Sawiris of Egypt follows with $5 billion (Sh647.5 billion), while Koos Bekker of South Africa and Mohamed Mansour of Egypt are tied at $3.4 billion (Sh440.3 billion).
Patrice Motsepe of South Africa and Issad Rebrab & family of Algeria both hold a net worth of $3 billion (Sh388.5 billion). Dewji shares the 12th position with South African billionaire Michiel Le Roux, both at $2.2 billion (Sh284.9 billion).
Other notable billionaires include Othman Benjelloun & family from Morocco with $1.6 billion (Sh207.2 billion), Anas Sefrioui & family of Morocco with the same amount, and Aziz Akhannouch & family, Jannie Mouton & family, and Femi Otedola of Nigeria, all with $1.5 billion (Sh194.3 billion).
Youssef Mansour of Egypt follows with $1.4 billion (Sh181.3 billion), while Yasseen Mansour of Egypt and Zimbabwe’s Strive Masiyiwa close the list at $1.2 billion (Sh155.4 billion) each.
South Africa leads the continent with seven billionaires, followed by Nigeria and Egypt, each with four. Morocco has three, while Algeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe each have one. Dewji remains the only billionaire from Tanzania and East Africa.
Forbes compiles its rankings based on stock prices, currency exchange rates and valuations of private businesses, ensuring an accurate measure of individual wealth.
It notes that Net worth fluctuations are common, influenced by market conditions and economic trends.
Top Stories Today
