Tanzanian tycoon Yusuf Manji, once a towering figure in Dar es Salaam’s business circles and one of Africa’s richest men, passed away at the age of 49 while undergoing treatment in Florida, US.
His death on Saturday, June 29, 2024, was confirmed by his son, Mehbub Manji. The 49-year-old was laid to rest on July 1 in Orlando, Florida, next to his father’s grave.
“We, Mehbub Manji and Ali Manji, greatly appreciate the condolences and prayers from everyone for our late father, Yusuf Manji. It brings us great joy that our father touched the lives of many people and left a lasting legacy in Tanzania,” Mehbub said.
Manji was the founder of Quality Group Limited (QGL), a $700-million conglomerate operating in a broad range of sectors, including automobiles, real estate, facilities, and trade. He propelled the company to greatness, making it one of Tanzania’s leading industrial groups. The tycoon was also the chairman of Young Africans SC, arguably the most successful football club in Tanzania.
The turning point
The business magnate, beloved by many, became infamous in 2021 after facing a series of legal troubles. Former President John Magufuli’s government accused Manji of tax evasion and improper business practices, including a controversial tender to supply military uniforms. This came at a time when the former head of state had promised to stamp out corruption in Tanzania.
The government launched audits and investigations into the financial operations of several companies, including Manji’s. Several of Manji’s companies were accused of wrongdoing following the audits, resulting in the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) shutting down one of his company’s farming outfits and demanding over Sh12 billion in unpaid taxes.
Several economic and national security charges were brought against Manji, leading to his arrest. The businessman, who was also a councillor at the time, ended up losing his seat after failing to attend six consecutive plenary council meetings due to legal challenges while in detention. The then-Mayor of Temeke Municipality cited breaches of the Local Government Act 1982 and the Municipal Regulations as reasons for his dismissal.
The magnate was later released after the Director of Public Prosecutions dropped the charges against him. However, the businessman’s troubles did not end there. Soon after his release, the Magufuli-led government revoked Manji’s ownership of a 714-acre farm in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam.
Manji’s reputation was dragged through the mud, with his lawyers fighting in futility to salvage it. The businessman’s empire suffered the brunt of his legal battles. QGL fell, undergoing restructuring and divestment as Manji struggled to put his life back together.
But there was more to Manji than his brushes with the law.
Early life and career
Yusuf Manji was born on October 14, 1975, in Tanzania. He was born into one of the richest families in Tanzania, with his father being a respected businessman. Manji received the best education, having studied at the American College of Switzerland, Morehouse College in Atlanta, and Hofstra University in New York.
He took over his father’s Dar es Salaam-based motor works company in 1995 when he was just 20 years old. He diversified the company and turned it into a sprawling billion-dollar conglomerate.
At its peak, QGL expanded its operations into the United States, United Arab Emirates, India, and Kenya. It became the biggest conglomerate in Tanzania, with 17 companies in the automotive, engineering products, international trade, logistic solutions and warehousing, real estate development, food processing, consulting, transport, aluminium, and fisheries sectors.
“In my teens, I used to work with my father in his garage and watch him work till late hours,” he said in a past interview, expressing his passion for the family business he held so dearly.
It was this love and his desire to see his father’s legacy live on that drove Manji to put his all into the business, ultimately making it a successful multinational that paved the way for several big brands, such as General Motors, to enter Tanzania.
Personal life
Manji got married and had children, although his family leads a private life. Besides Mehbub and Ali, who confirmed the news of their father’s passing, little is known of Manji’s wife and other children, if there are any.
Philanthropy
Away from business, Manji loved giving back to his community. He was involved in several philanthropic initiatives spanning education, healthcare, and community development projects.
He was particularly passionate about education and sponsored the education of several underprivileged children. Manji was also quick to financially support his country during national crises.
