Tanzania: Tanzania’s largest private employer and economic powerhouse, Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited (MeTL), led by billionaire Mohammed “Mo” Dewji, continues to reshape the East African business landscape with its sprawling reach across sectors and its growing regional ambitions. Though the Dewji family jokes that they “own half of Tanzania,” their economic influence is no exaggeration. With over 3.5 percent of Tanzania’s GDP linked to MeTL Group’s operations, the company is embedded in the daily lives of millions of Tanzanians.
MeTL Group operates in manufacturing, agriculture, finance, logistics, real estate, retail, and fast-moving consumer goods. Its products ranging from flour and beverages to textiles and hygiene goods are found in nearly every Tanzanian household. The company has grown into the country’s most dominant private employer, with a workforce of approximately 40,000 people and an ambitious target of reaching 100,000 employees across Africa in the coming years.
At the center of this enterprise is Mo Dewji, currently East Africa’s only billionaire. His personal net worth has soared to 2.2 billion USD in 2025, making him not only one of the wealthiest individuals in Africa but also one of its youngest philanthropic entrepreneurs. Dewji has pledged to donate at least half of his wealth through the Giving Pledge and has been actively investing in social programs through the Mo Dewji Foundation. The foundation has improved access to clean water, education, and healthcare, including free eye surgeries and disability aid for underprivileged communities.
Looking ahead, MeTL is focusing on agricultural transformation. Dewji has announced plans to invest over 150 million USD in mechanizing up to 100,000 hectares of farmland, mainly for tea, rice, and avocado production. These efforts are designed to bolster Tanzania’s export potential and create new markets across the continent. Additionally, Dewji is preparing MeTL’s agricultural subsidiary for a potential IPO worth up to 4 billion USD on international stock exchanges.
Despite the company's overwhelming presence in Tanzanian commerce, MeTL remains relatively unknown outside of East Africa. But with expansion into countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Mozambique, and Zambia, and operations extending to global hubs such as India, the UAE, and Italy, the company is now entering the global stage.
As MeTL continues to expand and diversify, questions arise about the balance between rapid growth, sustainable development, and inclusive prosperity. Nevertheless, Mo Dewji’s leadership offers a compelling narrative of modern African capitalism driven by deep local roots, wide regional impact, and a growing global vision.