The rise and fall of Yusuf Manji’s business empire

Dar es Salaam. Yusuf Manji, a prominent Tanzanian businessman who once commanded admiration and respect across the bustling streets of Dar es Salaam, was laid to rest in Florida, USA, on Monday.

His entrepreneurial journey with Quality Group Limited (QGL), a sprawling empire valued at $700 million and spanning manufacturing, agricultural machinery and real estate, left an indelible mark on Tanzania’s business landscape.

Under his leadership, Young Africans Football Club flourished, enjoying a triumphant streak in the Premier League, although his ambitious proposal to build a stadium for the club never materialized.

But in the tail end of 2015, the political landscape in Tanzania shifted dramatically and with it, Yusuf Manji’s fortunes began to change.

His Quality Plaza on Nyerere Road, which once stood as a towering figure in the business world as it transformed the neighbourhood on that Part of Nyerere Road today is nothing but a shadow of its glamorous past.

It all started with the election of Dr John Magufuli as the fifth phase President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The late Magufuli, known for his strong stance against corruption and inefficiency, vowed to clean up the government and restore accountability.

His administration launched rigorous investigations into various sectors, aiming to root out graft and mismanagement.

As scrutiny intensified, it soon reached Manji and his QGL conglomerate. Allegations surfaced regarding tax evasion and improper business practices which included a tender to supply military uniforms.

The government, under Magufuli’s directive, initiated audits and investigations into the financial dealings of businesses across the country, including those of Manji’s empire.

Manji, accustomed to navigating Tanzania’s business landscape with relative ease, suddenly found himself in uncharted waters.

His businesses faced audits that scrutinised tax payments, procurement practices, and adherence to regulations.

Amidst the probes, several of Manji’s companies were accused of irregularities, which further fueled public and governmental scrutiny.

In 2017 in one of those high profile cases one of his company’s Farm Equipment was closed by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) with the tax man demanding in excess of Sh12 billion in unpaid taxes.

Having tried his hands on politics with the election of Mbagala Kuu Councillor, this too became problematic.

Because of the legal challenges, while in custody he lost his position as a Councillor, after he failed to attend six full council meetings consecutively, with then Mayor of Temeke Municipal Mr Abdallah Chaurembo saying Mr Manji has breached section 8, article 25(5) (a) (b) of the local government’s act of 1982 and the municipal regulations.

However, the decision was made while Manji was under custody for months pending hearing of economic and national security charges levelled against him by the late Magufuli’s administration.

Despite being released after the Director of Public Prosecution dropped charges, further misfortune awaited Manji as Magufuli moved to revoke his ownership of a 714-acre farm in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam.

The media, once filled with stories of Manji’s business acumen and philanthropy, now buzzed with reports of investigations and legal battles, casting shadows over his empire’s integrity.

Pressure mounted from multiple fronts. Regulatory bodies demanded compliance, shareholders sought reassurances, and the public watched closely as the saga unfolded.

The once-powerful businessman found himself entangled in legal battles and faced with mounting challenges to salvage his reputation and business interests.

In response, Manji and his legal team mounted a vigorous defence, challenging the allegations and emphasizing their commitment to operating within the bounds of the law.

However, the political climate was unforgiving, and the government’s stance on accountability left little room for compromise.

With each passing day, the once-untouchable QGL empire began to crumble. Legal battles drained resources, business operations faltered under increased scrutiny, and public perception wavered.

The narrative of Manji as a formidable business magnate gave way to a narrative of a businessman navigating turbulent times, battling to protect his legacy.

Ultimately, the pressures proved insurmountable. Facing mounting legal challenges, financial strain, and a shifting political landscape, Manji made the difficult decision to step back from his businesses.

The QGL empire, once a pillar of Tanzania’s corporate landscape, underwent restructuring and divestiture as its founder grappled with the aftermath of the political changes that reshaped his fortunes.

After a period abroad, Manji returned to Tanzania, maintaining a low profile with his last public appearance at a Young Africans game at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.