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Mohammed DewjiAfrican billionaire, politician and businessman
Date of Birth: 01.01.1975
Country:  Tanzania |
Content:
- Mohammed Dewji: Africa's Youngest Billionaire Kidnapped
- Political Career
- Wealth and Philanthropy
- Kidnapping
- Tanzania: A Safe Haven or Target?
- Tangled in Turmoil
- Business Elite Unprotected
Mohammed Dewji: Africa's Youngest Billionaire Kidnapped
Early Life and CareerMohammed "Mo" Dewji, born in 1975, made his mark in the business world by transforming a small family-run wholesale trading company into the pan-African conglomerate METL Group. The group operates in textiles, flour milling, beverages, and edible oils across six African countries.
Political Career
Dewji served as a Member of Parliament for a decade, representing the ruling party. Despite his political affiliation, he denied receiving "undue favors" from his connections.
Wealth and Philanthropy
Forbes estimates Dewji's net worth at $1.5 billion, making him Tanzania's sole billionaire. In 2016, he pledged to donate at least half of his wealth to charity.
Kidnapping
On October 11, 2018, Dewji was abducted in Tanzania's Dar es Salaam by unknown masked individuals on his way to a morning workout. The motive for the kidnapping remains unclear.
Tanzania: A Safe Haven or Target?
Dar es Salaam: A City of SafetyDar es Salaam, meaning "Haven of Peace" in Arabic, has traditionally been considered a safe city compared to others in Africa. However, the kidnapping of a high-profile businessman has shattered this perception.
Tangled in Turmoil
Tanzania has had issues with opposition politicians being targeted, but this is the first incident of a businessman of Dewji's stature being abducted.
Business Elite Unprotected
Entrepreneurs in Tanzania generally felt secure and often operated without bodyguards. The kidnapping has sent shockwaves through the Tanzanian business community.
