Khoja mega businessman and Tanzania’s wealthiest, Mohammed Dewji has received an Honorary Doctorate from Georgetown University on May 20, 2022.
Mohammed Dewji
Mohammed, son of Mr. Gulamabbas Dewji, is a Tanzanian billionaire, business magnate and former politician. He is the owner of MeTL Group, a Tanzanian conglomerate founded by his father in the 1970s. MeTL Group of Companies is the largest privately-owned conglomerate in Tanzania.
Recipient of the Honorary Doctorate
The degree of Doctor of Humane Letters is an honorary degree awarded to those who have distinguished themselves through humanitarian and philanthropic contributions to society.
On May 20, 2022 Mr Mohammed Dewji was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters by the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, based in Washington, D.C. The Doctorate was presented by Georgetown University President John DeGioia, in recognition of Mr Dewji’s significant contribution to society through his philanthropic work across Tanzania.
While receiving the Doctorate, Mr Dewji thanked President John DeGioia and the University of Georgetown for bestowing him with the honours. He addressed the McDonough School of Business Class of 2022 and stressed gaining success while also keeping in touch with our community. He advised the graduate students by saying, “Today I would give you an advice that I would give myself 24 years ago, ‘the world is never about you, but it should always concern you.’ Today’s world makes it easier to forget our community, … technology is advancing, but our understanding of each other is moving in opposite directions. The need for community is universal as it brings responsibility and purpose to our lives. … Class of 2022 remember this, accepting that life is not about you is not a barrier to achieving your own goals. In fact it’s your best tool. … Once we embrace the reality that the outcomes in our lives are truly in the hands of others, we become motivated to understand each other. We become better towards our community, by becoming a path for others, we find our own. I have no doubt that each of you will follow your unique paths in service to the highest level. But remember and know this when you reach that level, that’s when its easiest to forget how much you need your community. … You’ll face those who pull you down or discourage you with their negativity. Choose to forgive. Do not dwell on adversity but use it as a motivation to do good. Remember … Life is never just about you, but it should always concern you. … May you shine bright, conquer your fears, and leave a positive legacy in your communities.”
Mr Dewji is an alumnus of the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and finance and a minor in theology, completing his graduation in 1998.
Mohammed Dewji’s Philanthropic Work
During his 10-year tenure as a member of Parliament, Mr Dewji worked extensively to improve the living conditions of the people. He founded the Mo Dewji Foundation in 2014 with the focus of improving life conditions in Tanzania in several areas: Promoting education to create a pathway for the population, especially the disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, to lead to a more productive, equitable and just society. The Foundation currently operates several programs and aims to involve itself in new and innovative projects to provide services and support for less fortunate members of the community.
Mr Dewji has also signed the “The Giving Pledge” in 2016. The Giving Pledge is a movement of philanthropists who commit to give most of their wealth to charitable causes, either during their lifetimes or in their wills. He is the first Tanzanian and one of the three Africans that have made the pledge in this group of 150+ billionaires, including Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Mark Zuckerberg.
The Khojanews team congratulates Mr Mohammed Dewji on this achievement and prays to Allah (swt) to grant his success in all his endeavours, ameen.