Rwanda Opens its Doors to Tanzanian Billionaire Mohammed Dewji’s MeTL Group

Rwanda Opens its Doors to Tanzanian Billionaire Mohammed Dewji’s MeTL Group

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda, in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), recently played host to a significant meeting between Mo Dewji, Minister Ildephonse Musafiri, and Nelly Mukazayire, the Deputy Chief Executive of RDB. The discussions, held in Dar es Salaam, revolved around the prospects of fostering a mutually beneficial partnership and accelerating investments by the MeTL Group in Rwanda.

Mohammed Dewji, not just a businessman but also a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and former politician, has been making waves in the African business landscape. In 2016, he pledged to give away the majority of his wealth to philanthropic causes, as part of the Giving Pledge initiated by Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. His commitment to creating positive social impact alongside his business success has made him a prominent figure in East Africa.

MeTL Group’s Ambitious Investment Plans: A Positive Outlook

MeTL Group, a family-owned conglomerate headquartered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, boasts an impressive workforce of 38,000 employees and operations spanning across 11 African countries. Their intention to invest approximately $100 million (equivalent to over Rwf120 billion) in Rwanda’s strategic sectors is poised to invigorate the nation’s economy.

The areas of focus for investment include the production of edible oil, soap manufacturing, wheat and maize milling, carbonated beverage production, plastic bottle recycling, agriculture, and fuel storage. These sectors align with Rwanda’s economic development goals, promising not only financial gains but also job opportunities for the Rwandan populace.

Mo Dewji expressed his gratitude for the support and facilities provided by Rwanda’s institutions, emphasizing his dedication to fostering economic growth and development in the region. MeTL Group, under his leadership, has already secured land in Rwanda, signifying a concrete step toward realizing their investment ambitions.

Mo Dewji’s Remarkable Climb on Forbes’ Wealth List

Forbes Magazine’s ranking placed Mo Dewji at the 13th position among Africa’s wealthiest individuals. His journey from the 15th slot in the previous year is a testament to his unwavering dedication to business excellence and philanthropy. Mo Dewji, who became the youngest dollar billionaire in Africa at the age of 46, is a beacon of success not only in Tanzania but across the entire East African region.

Reports indicate that Mo Dewji’s MeTL Group has had a profound impact on the economies of Tanzania and neighboring East and Central African countries. In 2022, the conglomerate created 7,000 new jobs, increasing the total workforce to 35,000, up from 28,000 in the previous year. This remarkable job creation showcases Mo Dewji’s commitment to providing livelihoods and contributing to economic stability in the regions where MeTL operates.

A Unique Presence in East Africa

Mo Dewji’s notable presence as the sole billionaire from East Africa on Forbes’ list highlights his remarkable achievements and influence in the region. His conglomerate, MeTL Group, has become synonymous with success and growth across the East African landscape, reaffirming its commitment to driving economic progress.

As Rwanda warmly welcomes Mo Dewji and MeTL Group, the prospects of enhanced economic cooperation and job creation shine brightly on the horizon. The billionaire businessman’s dedication to philanthropy, business excellence, and economic development continues to inspire a generation of entrepreneurs across Africa. Rwanda, in particular, is poised to reap the benefits of this partnership, ushering in a new era of growth and prosperity.