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Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji has held talks with Ugandan General Caleb Akandwanaho, better known as Salim Saleh, on investment and industrialisation opportunities between Uganda and Tanzania, as the MeTL Group founder explores potential expansion in East Africa.
Dewji, founder and president of Tanzanian conglomerate MeTL Group, said the discussions focused on opportunities in recycling, local manufacturing, digital connectivity and food security.
“It was a pleasure meeting General Caleb Akandwanaho (Salim Saleh), Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation,” Dewji said in a statement.
He added that the discussions covered investment, industrialisation and opportunities across Uganda and Tanzania.
“Across East Africa, we have the resources, markets and capacity to achieve much more together,” Dewji said.
The areas discussed are closely connected to MeTL Group’s existing businesses.
The Tanzanian conglomerate operates across manufacturing, agriculture, trading, logistics, food and beverages, financial services and other sectors. The company says it operates in more than six countries and employs about 37,000 people.
Manufacturing and value addition could provide potential areas for MeTL to expand in Uganda, where the government has been promoting greater local production and industrialisation.
Recycling and food security could also create opportunities to develop regional supply chains and reduce dependence on imported finished products.
However, no specific investment amount, signed agreement or confirmed project was announced following the meeting. The discussions therefore represent potential investment opportunities rather than a completed transaction.
The talks come as Dewji continues to expand MeTL’s footprint across Africa.
In May, The Citizen reported that MeTL planned to invest $50 million in a soft-drinks manufacturing plant in Mombasa, Kenya. The facility is expected to produce MeTL beverage brands including Mo Cola, Mo Xtra and Mo Malto.
MeTL’s expansion has made Dewji one of East Africa’s most prominent business figures. African Business estimated his fortune at $2.1 billion in August.
For Uganda, potential investment from one of Tanzania’s largest privately owned industrial groups could support efforts to expand manufacturing and strengthen trade links with neighbouring countries.
For Dewji, the discussions could open another market for MeTL’s industrial and consumer businesses, although any investment arising from the talks remains subject to further discussions and agreements.
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