Tanzanian businessman Yusuf Manji to be buried in USA next to his father

Dar es Salaam. The remains of a Tanzanian businessman and former sponsor of Yanga SC, Yusuf Manji will be laid to rest in Orlando, Florida today (Monday July 1, 2024. 

Manji’s body will be buried at a place that is just adjacent to where his father, the late Yusufali Manji Haji, was buried.

This is according to the deceased’s son, Mehbub Manji.

“We, Mehbub Manji and Ali Manji Greatly appreciate the condolences and prayers by everyone for our late father Yusuf Manji. They bring us great joy that our father touched the lives of many people and left a lasting legacy in Tanzania. We would like to kindly ask for your continued prayers as our father ascends to the heavens in his new journey,” Mehbub told The Citizen in a message sent via mobile phone. 

“He truly loved Tanzania with all his heart but his final wish was to be buried in Orlando, Florida where the remains of his father were also buried. Inshallah we will be able to live stream the funeral which will take place on the 1st of July at around 3:00pm EST,” Mehbub told The Citizen. 

Manji passed away on June 29, 2024, at midnight in Florida, USA, where he was receiving medical treatment. He was 49. 

Manji was a renowned businessman and former sponsor for Young Africans Sports Club.

He was also involved with the auto industry and owned substantial interests in some of the largest companies in the region. 

However, Manji’s Quality Group Limited (QGL) investments faltered after he was slapped with a Sh12.3 billion tax bill by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), leading to its shutdown in 2021. TRA said the bill was for unpaid income tax, withholding tax, and value-added tax (VAT).

Manji’s final days in Tanzania were characterised by a number of misfortunes, including being held over economic sabotage and national security charges levelled against him by the state. He was, however, freed after the Director of Public Prosecution said that he had no interest in pursuing the charges.

Political analyst Buberwa Kaiza said that Manji was among the people or businessmen who were shaken during the fifth administration under the late John Magufuli.

“Manji was considered untouchable, but during the fifth administration under the late President John Magufuli, he was shaken. He wielded considerable influence as a prominent businessman with close ties to the state, especially during the third and fourth administrations of Benjamin Mkapa and Jakaya Kikwete respectively,” Mr Kaiza noted.

Other misfortunes that faced the businessman include the decision by President Magufuli to revoke ownership of his 714-acre farm in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam.

Manji, CEO of QGL, before his early retirement, was one of the most reputed businessmen in Tanzania. He headed a $700-million conglomerate in a wide range of sectors, including automobiles, real estate, facilities and trade.

Born on October 14, 1975, in Tanzania, Manji built a reputation for entrepreneurial success and leadership.

Manji’s business acumen and strategic investments earned him recognition not only within Tanzania but also across East Africa.

He has over the years been involved in various philanthropic endeavours, contributing to education and healthcare initiatives in Tanzania.

Beyond his business activities, Yusuf Manji has maintained a relatively private personal life, focusing on expanding his business empire.