African media tycoon Reginald Mengi dies in Dubai

One of the richest men in Africa has died in Dubai at the age of 75. Reginald Mengi, a media mogul, philanthropist and mining magnate, was one of Tanzania’s best-known personalities. His death was confirmed on Thursday by Radio One in Tanzania, one of his radio stations. The cause of death, or reason for being in the UAE, has not yet been confirmed, but his company IPP Group last year signed a major deal with the Dubai computer manufacturing company Touchmate to produce smartphones. He wrote a book, titled I Can, I Must, I Will, which was released last year and told of his journey from humble beginnings, being raised in a mud hut in a small village in Northern Tanzania, to becoming one of the continent’s most successful entrepreneurs. In addition to media, IPP has interests in Coca-Cola bottling, gold mining and computer goods. He also campaigned to promote disability, environment and youth empowerment issues. In 2014 he was ranked as the 45th richest man in Africa, with assets worth $560 million, according to Forbes magazine. He caused some controversy in 2015 when he married Jacqueline Ntuyabaliwe-Mengi, a former Miss Tanzania and pop star, due to their age difference. Ms Ntuyabaliwe-Mengi is 39. The couple have twin sons. Only weeks ago, he paid tribute to his wife on Twitter. “I love you more than the sand in all the seas in the whole world,” he wrote.

African media tycoon Reginald Mengi dies in Dubai

The 75-year-old was one of the richest men in Tanzania