**The Interview**
**Charles Gitonga:** Welcome back to the program. Today, we have the immense privilege of speaking with Mohammed Dewji, a name synonymous with business success and philanthropy across Africa. Mohammed, thank you for making the time. You’re one of the continent’s wealthiest individuals, leading MeTL Group, a conglomerate with operations in numerous sectors. For many, the idea of being a billionaire anywhere is abstract, but particularly so in an African context, which faces unique development challenges. How would you describe the experience – what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you consider ‘being a billionaire in Africa’?
**Mohammed Dewji:** Charles, thank you for having me. It’s a loaded question, isn’t it? My immediate answer is: it’s a privilege, but more profoundly, it’s a tremendous responsibility. It’s not just about personal wealth; it’s about the ecosystem you operate within. Unlike in many developed economies where wealth might be more insulated or focused on purely financial returns, in Africa, your footprint is often far more visible and impactful. Every decision you make has ripple effects on thousands, sometimes hundreds of thousands, of lives – from the jobs you create, to the communities you empower, to the goods and services you provide. So, responsibility is the overwhelming feeling.
**Charles Gitonga:** That visibility, as you say, must come with unique pressures. What are some of the distinct challenges you face operating and building wealth across diverse African economies that perhaps a billionaire in, say, New York or London might not encounter?
**Mohammed Dewji:** Certainly. The first is often infrastructure – or the lack thereof. Logistics, power supply, internet connectivity – these are foundational elements many take for granted elsewhere, but which are constantly top-of-mind for us. You often have to build that infrastructure yourself, or at least invest heavily around it, to ensure your operations can even function.
Then there’s policy volatility. Navigating diverse regulatory frameworks, tax regimes, and sometimes unpredictable policy shifts across different nations requires constant agility and deep local understanding. Political stability, while improving in many regions, can still be a significant factor. And critically, human capital. While we have a young and vibrant population, finding and retaining specialized skills that match global standards, particularly in new technologies or advanced manufacturing, is an ongoing challenge. We invest heavily in training and development because we often have to build the talent pool ourselves.
**Charles Gitonga:** Given those complexities, what’s your competitive edge? What makes an African billionaire’s approach different in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities compared to, say, a multinational looking to enter these markets?
**Mohammed Dewji:** Our primary advantage is deep local knowledge and a long-term commitment. Multinationals often come with a quarter-to-quarter mindset, looking for quick returns. We understand the nuances, the cultural context, the ground-level needs. We’re not just investing capital; we’re investing in the communities for the long haul. We’re building relationships, understanding consumer behaviour that isn’t always captured in a generic market report.
Agility is another. We can pivot faster, adapt strategies to local realities without layers of corporate bureaucracy that larger international players often contend with. And crucially, understanding the immense unmet demand. Whether it’s basic goods, manufacturing, digital services, or agriculture – the growth potential is enormous because the base is often starting lower. You’re building markets as much as you’re serving them. This requires patience, resilience, and a genuine belief in Africa’s potential.
**Charles Gitonga:** You mentioned responsibility early on. Wealth accumulation in a continent striving for development often invites scrutiny. How do you personally reconcile your immense success with the broader socio-economic realities of Africa? And what role do you believe African billionaires *should* play in the continent’s development beyond job creation?
**Mohammed Dewji:** It’s a question I grapple with constantly, and it’s a valid one. Job creation is fundamental – a stable job is dignity, it’s economic empowerment for families, it’s the most direct way to lift people out of poverty. But it goes beyond that. We have a moral obligation to contribute to systemic change.
For me, that means significant investment in education – primary, secondary, vocational – because an educated populace is the bedrock of future prosperity. It means healthcare initiatives, access to clean water. These aren’t just CSR initiatives; they are investments in the future market, in the human capital that will drive our economies. And it means advocating for good governance and transparent business practices. We must lead by example, showing that wealth can be built ethically and sustainably, and that it can be a force for good that genuinely uplifts communities rather than simply extracts from them. We need to be partners in Africa’s transformation, not just beneficiaries.
**Charles Gitonga:** Looking ahead, what defines success for you now? Is it still growth, or is it something more about legacy and impact?
**Mohammed Dewji:** It evolves. Early on, it’s about building, expanding, creating scale. Now, while sustainable growth remains important for the continuity of our businesses and the jobs we provide, the definition of success has broadened significantly. It’s about enduring impact. It’s about building institutions that outlast me, businesses that are resilient and continue to contribute to Africa’s narrative of progress.
It’s about demonstrating that African-owned, African-led businesses can compete globally, create immense value, and uplift millions. My legacy, I hope, will be tied to contributing to a prosperous, self-reliant Africa, where the next generation has even greater opportunities to thrive and innovate. That’s the ultimate measure.
**Charles Gitonga:** A powerful vision, Mohammed. Thank you for sharing your invaluable insights with us today.
**Mohammed Dewji:** My pleasure, Charles. Thank you.
