From starting a successful business to becoming a philanthropic leader, Sudanese-British billionaire Mohammed Ibrahim (Mo Ibrahim) has led a remarkable life.
His net worth has recently surpassed the $1.2-billion mark thanks to his smart private equity investments, but Ibrahim is so much more than just his wealth.
Ibrahim’s business journey started in 1989 when he founded Mobile Systems International (MSI), which became a world-leading cellular consulting and software provider.
He went on to establish Celtel International in 1998, one of the first mobile phone companies serving Africa and the Middle East.
Celtel went on to become one of Africa’s leading mobile telephone companies, pioneering mobile services in the continent.
In 2005, the Sudanese-British billionaire sold Celtel to Kuwait’s Mobile Telecommunications Company for $3.4 billion and pocketed $1.4 billion.
Since then, he has invested a significant portion of the proceeds into private investments, including a majority stake in Satya Capital, a private equity fund that specializes in supporting African startups.
One of Satya Capital’s successful investments is Cellulant, an online and mobile payments company led by Kenyan entrepreneur Ken Njoroge, which raised an impressive $47.5 million in its Series-C funding round in 2018.
Thanks to the impressive performance of his private equity investments, Ibrahim’s net worth has risen by $100 million over the past year.
But his success is not just about making money.
The Sudanese-British billionaire is also deeply committed to promoting good governance and exceptional leadership across Africa, and to support this mission, he established the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in 2006.
The foundation’s work has been directed by his daughter, Hadeel, who also shares a passion for making a positive impact on the continent.
His philanthropic work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the BNP Paribas Prize for Philanthropy in 2008, the Oslo Business for Peace Award in 2009, and the Clinton Global Citizen Award in 2010, to name just a few.
With his impressive business acumen and his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the continent, Ibrahim is a true inspiration to us all.
As a Black British billionaire and the wealthiest Sudanese businessman, he is breaking down barriers and showing the world what is possible with hard work, dedication, and a passion for making a difference.
