In another signal of growing ties between influential African billionaire investors and African governments, Prateek Suri, Africa’s richest Indian and Chairman of Maser Group, met with Zanzibar President H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi this week for wide-ranging discussions focused on economic development, infrastructure, and investment opportunities.

The meeting, held in Zanzibar, follows a series of engagements between Suri and President Mwinyi over recent months, highlighting the strategic importance both parties place on partnership and private sector participation in the region’s growth agenda.

Suri’s track record makes him a compelling figure in this dialogue. Under his leadership, Maser Group became Africa’s 7th unicorn, achieving a $5 billion valuation before its acquisition. The company posted USD 1 billion in annual revenue at the time of sale, reflecting its rapid growth in sectors ranging from consumer electronics to infrastructure.

Since exiting Maser Group, Suri has set his sights on broader ambitions. He recently launched a major investment fund focused on large capital ventures across Africa, with priority sectors including shipping, mining, infrastructure, roadways, and emerging industries such as artificial intelligence.

The Zanzibar government, seeking to position the archipelago as an economic gateway to East Africa, sees alignment with Suri’s investment agenda as a potential catalyst for growth. According to sources familiar with the talks, discussions included infrastructure upgrades, logistics expansion, and technology integration aimed at enhancing Zanzibar’s role in regional trade.

The partnership also reflects broader trends in Africa’s investment landscape, where private capital and visionary entrepreneurs are increasingly viewed as critical drivers of development. As governments look to scale up infrastructure and modernize their economies, relationships with investors like Suri offer access not just to capital, but to expertise, networks, and strategic thinking.

Beyond capital deployment, Suri’s philanthropic focus has added another dimension to his leadership profile. Over the past year, he has made headlines for his charitable work across Africa — supporting orphanages, donating food and essential supplies, and directly engaging with vulnerable communities. His approach to philanthropy is hands-on, reflecting a belief that private sector success should translate into tangible social impact.

Observers note that Suri’s dual identity — as a billionaire investor and philanthropist — resonates with a new generation of African leaders seeking private partners who bring both resources and responsibility to the table.

For President Mwinyi, the dialogue with Suri is part of a broader effort to attract credible international investors with proven track records and an appetite for long-term engagement.

 As one government official put it, “Zanzibar is open for business, and we welcome partnerships that can bring both economic growth and positive impact to our people.” 

With Africa’s infrastructure gap estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars, the need for large-scale private investment is acute. Suri’s fund, combined with his reputation for execution and his rising philanthropic profile, places him at the center of this evolving narrative. 

As Zanzibar charts its path forward, its partnership with Prateek Suri could help redefine the intersection of private capital, state development, and social progress in Africa.