Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji has announced plans to expand graphite processing in Tanzania, with his company MeTL Group targeting a $250 million investment in battery-grade graphite production. The initiative aims to strengthen local mineral processing and position Tanzania as a key supplier in the global electric vehicle battery supply chain.
The company plans to commission a graphite processing plant in Tanzania by next year with an annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes. Initially, the facility will produce graphite with a purity of approximately 95% for international markets. MeTL Group’s long-term objective is to produce battery-grade graphite with 99.5% purity, supporting the growing demand for lithium-ion battery materials.
Speaking at the Africa Unlocked 2026 conference in Cape Town, Dewji emphasized the importance of processing critical minerals within Africa rather than exporting raw materials. He stated that local value addition can generate greater economic benefits, create jobs, and strengthen the continent’s role in global supply chains.
Graphite has become an increasingly strategic mineral due to its extensive use in lithium-ion battery anodes, as well as applications in refractory materials, lubricants, electrodes, and various industrial technologies. Rising global demand for electric vehicles and energy storage systems has further increased the importance of reliable graphite supplies.
Africa holds around 24% of the world’s known natural graphite reserves, with Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania among the continent’s leading graphite producers. As governments continue to encourage domestic mineral processing, investments such as MeTL Group’s are expected to support industrial development while increasing the value generated from Africa’s natural resources.
