Alumnus Named Forbes Africa Person of the Year

Georgetown University McDonough School of Business graduate Mohammed Dewji (B ’98) was named “Person of the Year” by Forbes Africa magazine. Dewji joins James Mwangi, CEO of Kenya’s Equity Bank; Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank; and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, as the fourth recipient of the prestigious title.

The award honors an individual who has had the most influence on African business. Dewji is the CEO of Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania (MeTL), one of the largest industrial conglomerates in East Africa. The company’s business interests include textiles, manufacturing, agriculture, distribution, and real estate. Prior to his role as CEO, Dewji served two terms as a member of parliament in Tanzania. During his time in office, he founded and financed the Mo Dewji Foundation, a philanthropy that provides scholarships for poor Tanzanian children. He also is a member of the McDonough School of Business Board of Advisors.

While accepting the award in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dewji dedicated the title to his employees.

“This is not my award; it is neither for my wife, father, mother or any member of my family, but for Tanzanians who have been employed in my company or are working in my farms,” he said.

Dewji, who studied international business and finance during his time on the Hilltop, beat out many powerful candidates for the honor, including Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, wife of South Africa’s president; Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari; Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; and Arumna Oteh, vice president of the World Bank.