The death of Billionaire Reginald Mengi robs Tanzania, and Africa by extension, one of the most resolute businessman and philanthropist at heart. According to Forbes, the media mogul net worth is $560 million. Until his untimely death, Mengi was the 45th richest man in Africa. The 75-year-old businessman had interests in media and mining.
IPP Group Of Companies
Dr Reginald Abraham Mengi was the Executive Chairman of IPP Group of Companies based in Tanzania capital Dar es Salaam. The business magnate, who passed away in Dubai, headed IPP Media which comprises four English Newspapers (The Guardian, Sunday observer, Financial Times and This day) and Taifa letu, Nipashe, Majira, Lete raha (Swahili publications)
TV and Radio Stations
The self made billionaire also owned three TV stations (ITV, EATV and Capital television) and same number of radio stations (Radio One, Capital FM and East Africa radio).
Bonite Bottlers Limited (BBL)
Dr Mengi businesses transcended the media. He owned Bonite Bottlers which was the sole bottler of Coca-Cola products in the northern region of Tanzania, according to IPP Group of Companies website. BBL opened its doors on 18th December 1987 in an event graced by then President Ali Hassan Mwinyi. Apart from manufacturing Coca Cola beverages, BBL produces ‘Kilimanjaro” bottled water, a leading brand in the country. BBL employs over 1000 workers and prides itself as the “largest private employers in Northern Tanzania”.
IPP Energy Limited
The business mogul ventured in energy sector through Energy Tanzania Limited. According to the company website, “Energy Tanzania Limited is an investment engine for IPP’s interests in oil and gas and owns shares in various hydrocarbon exploration companies such as Swala Oil and Gas Tanzania PLC”.
INFOCOM TECHNOLOGIES
It is an IT Consultant and Management services that was incorporated in 2001. The company provides IT solutions to organizations to “fully utilize their abilities and realize their potential strengths”.
Other positions held by the businessman
Chairman of Confederation of Tanzania Industries
Media Owners Association of Tanzania
Chairman of Handeni Gold
Honors and awards
2000-2003 – Most Respected CEO East Africa Community (EAC)
2008 – Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award
2010 – Global Leadership and Humanitarian Award
2012 – United Nations NGO Lifetime Achievement Award
2012 – The Business for Peace Award
2012 – Honorary Doctor of Humanity Degree Award
2014 – International Order of the Lions Award
2014 – Business Leader of the Year Award
Author
The businessman authored I Can, I Must, I Will, an autobiography about his life journey.
Personal Life
The dollar millionaire is married to former Miss Tanzania Jacqueline Mengo. The couple had two children.