When you think of the richest people in Africa, big names like Aliko Dangote from Nigeria or Johann Rupert from South Africa might come to mind. But in Eastern Africa, the wealthiest person isn’t who you’d expect. It’s not a flashy politician or a famous tech guru. It’s Mohammed Dewi, a Tanzanian businessman known simply as “Mo,” and he’s worth $2.2 billion, according to Forbes. That’s a huge amount—about 5.3 trillion Tanzanian shillings!
So, who is this guy? Mohammed Dewji isn’t a household name outside East Africa, but he’s a big deal in Tanzania. At 49 years old, he runs MeTL, a company his father started in the 1970s. MeTL isn’t just one business—it’s a giant group that does everything from making clothes to milling flour, producing drinks, and even selling cooking oil. The company works in 10 African countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, and Uganda. That’s how Mo built his fortune: by growing a family business into a massive empire.
What’s surprising is that Mo is the only billionaire in East Africa on Forbes’ list. You might think someone from a bigger city like Nairobi would take the top spot, but no—it’s this quiet, hardworking man from Tanzania. He’s not into showing off with fancy cars or private jets. Instead, he focuses on his business and helping others. Years ago, he even survived a scary kidnapping in 2018, but he didn’t let it stop him. He kept pushing forward.
Mo’s story shows that wealth doesn’t always come from oil or tech—it can come from everyday things like food and clothes. His success also puts Tanzania on the map as a place where big dreams can come true. While other African billionaires get more attention, Mo stands out because he’s different. He’s not chasing fame; he’s building something real.
By Nairobi