Tanzania Billionaire: Top 10 Richest Men In Tanzania
You see, in this life, there are rich people, there are wealthy people, and then there are the kinds of people whose bank accounts probably have security clearance. I’m talking about the big boys who are not just popping champagne but owning the vineyard. Today, we're flying (first class, of course) to Tanzania — home of Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and some seriously loaded individuals.
Forget what you thought you knew about East Africa. Tanzania is not just a safari destination or the land of Swahili vibes — it’s a land of opportunity, ambition, and some of the most hardworking and strategic business minds on the continent. These men didn’t stumble into money. They worked, invested, diversified, and yes — sometimes took some serious risks. And now, they’re sitting on top of the economic food chain.
Ready to meet the Tanzanian tycoons who are shaking the continent quietly but effectively? Let’s dive in. Just don’t get too inspired and quit your job today — let’s plan properly, okay?
1. Mohammed Dewji – The Golden Boy of Tanzanian Business
If there’s ever a real-life “rags to riches” story with designer suits and boardroom swagger, Mohammed Dewji is the man.
With a net worth of around $2.2 billion, he’s not just the richest in Tanzania — he’s East Africa’s only official dollar billionaire. Imagine that! One billion dollars is so much money that even if you spent $10,000 every day, it would take you nearly 275 years to finish it. But back to Dewji.
He’s the CEO of MeTL (Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited), a company so big, it contributes 3% of Tanzania’s entire GDP. Let that sink in. This man’s company literally fuels a chunk of the national economy. MeTL is into everything — from agriculture to textiles, beverages to logistics. If it moves, grows, or can be sold, MeTL is likely involved.
And yet, the man remains humble. He’s invested in education, health, and youth empowerment through the Mo Dewji Foundation. He even survived a kidnapping attempt in 2018 (because, yes, money comes with drama). But he bounced back with even more focus. Billionaire behavior!
2. Rostam Aziz – The Quiet Billionaire Making Loud Moves
While Dewji is often in the spotlight, Rostam Aziz prefers the shadows. But make no mistake — his money speaks volumes. With a net worth around $700 million, Rostam is the guy you won’t see coming, but by the time he leaves the boardroom, he owns half the table.
He’s made major plays in telecoms, energy, aviation, and media. He once owned a huge stake in Vodacom Tanzania (yes, that Vodacom), which he sold for nearly $500 million. Then he turned around and expanded his empire via Selous LLC, his Dubai-based family office. You know someone’s big when they’re managing their money from Dubai.
And this man is diversified! His firm owns Taifa Gas — the biggest LPG distributor in Tanzania, and he also owns Caspian Ltd., which does heavy-duty mining services. Add media houses, private airlines, safari tourism businesses, and a leather manufacturing company to the list. Honestly, at this point, the only thing he hasn’t bought is a football club (or maybe he has and just hasn’t told us yet).
3. Said Bakhresa – The Flour King Who Rose from the Streets
If you ever thought you needed a rich uncle to succeed, meet Said Bakhresa. He started as a small-time businessman — selling donuts and ice cream — and is now sitting on a fortune of over $400 million.
He founded Bakhresa Group, a food and logistics empire that spans across East and Southern Africa. His flour mills are legendary, and if you’ve ever had Azam juice or watched Azam TV, you’ve contributed to the Bakhresa wealth pool.
He’s the kind of entrepreneur who reminds us that no hustle is too small. Today, he owns shipping lines, manufacturing plants, hotels, and digital payment systems. The man is printing money from multiple angles. And yet, he remains incredibly grounded — proof that consistency beats noise.
4. Reginald Mengi – The Late Media Mogul with a Heart of Gold
Though he passed away in 2019, Reginald Mengi left behind a legacy too large to ignore. With a peak net worth estimated at $1.2 billion, Mengi owned IPP Group, a media conglomerate that shaped Tanzanian television, radio, and newspapers.
But Mengi wasn’t just about money. He was about impact. He paid for heart surgeries, funded schools, and gave countless Tanzanians a voice through media. He also ventured into mining and other heavy industries, showing that brains, compassion, and business acumen can go hand in hand.
He proved that being wealthy doesn’t mean you have to lose your soul.
5. Ally Awadh – Real Estate Royalty
Real estate in Africa is booming, and Ally Awadh is one of the key architects of that boom in Tanzania. With an estimated net worth of $800 million, he’s built commercial complexes, housing estates, and high-end properties that have reshaped Tanzanian skylines.
His company, Awadh Group, is known for quality and class — the kind of developments that Instagram influencers love to snap in front of. And while the glitz is there, his strategy is solid: build what the middle class wants before they realize they need it. That’s visionary hustle right there.
6. Shekhar Kanabar – The Industrial Ironman
Shekhar Kanabar is the kind of businessman who doesn’t just enter industries — he transforms them. With interests in textiles, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, Kanabar has built a network of businesses that keep Tanzanian factories humming.
His net worth is estimated around $750 million, and much of it comes from Kanabar Industries, a firm known for productivity and innovation. He’s the type of person who can turn cement and cotton into castles and cash flow. It’s that industrialist energy, and he has it in abundance.
7. Shubash Patel – Tanzania’s King of Retail
You know those retail tycoons who make shopping malls look like palaces? That’s Shubash Patel. With a net worth of around $700 million, he’s built one of the biggest retail networks in Tanzania.
Through Patel Supermarkets, he’s bringing modern shopping experiences to Tanzanians. Clean aisles, imported goods, price tags that don’t jump when you're not looking — it’s a lifestyle. But it’s also smart business. The Tanzanian middle class is growing, and Shubash is right there supplying everything from cereal to air fryers.
Retail may not be as sexy as oil or tech, but trust me, it’s just as profitable — especially when done right.
8. Fida Hussein Rashid – The Hospitality Visionary
Tanzania’s tourism industry is booming, and Fida Hussein Rashid is cashing in. He’s the proud owner of several luxury resorts and high-end hotels across the country, and his net worth sits comfortably around $650 million.
Whether it’s the beachfront views in Zanzibar or safari lodges near Serengeti, Fida’s properties are magnets for tourists and elite travelers alike. He understands the magic formula: local charm + global standard service = international cash. A visionary in every sense.
9. Yusuf Manji – The Comeback Kid
There’s something compelling about a businessman who’s been through ups, downs, lawsuits, and headlines — and still stays standing. That’s Yusuf Manji for you. With a net worth around $600 million, he’s invested in real estate, manufacturing, agriculture, and more.
His story isn’t linear. He’s had public battles and business challenges, but his name remains influential. He’s living proof that success is not always a straight road — sometimes, it’s a scenic route with potholes and detours, but if you stay the course, you’ll arrive.
10. Salim Turkey – The Tech-Savvy Innovator
Finally, let’s talk tech. Salim Turkey is the guy betting on Tanzania’s digital future. With a net worth of around $550 million, he’s the founder of Tanzania Digital Solutions, a company offering everything from IT infrastructure to enterprise software.
This man is bringing the tech wave to East Africa, one server at a time. In a country where fintech and e-commerce are starting to take off, Salim is setting himself up as a leader. While others are chasing traditional sectors, he’s positioning himself in the fast lane of innovation. Bold move, boss move.
Final Thoughts: From Hustle to Empire
Phew! That was a lot of zeros — and even more inspiration. These ten men show us that wealth isn’t just about what you inherit or how you start. It’s about vision, strategy, consistency, and sometimes even a bit of boldness. Whether you’re flipping second-hand phones, managing a farm, or writing code in your bedroom, the lesson is the same: every empire starts from something, be patient and let the hustle pay.
