Power, prestige and prosperity: The story of the richest Indian in Africa

In the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, nestled between emerald golf courses and opulent villas, man whose rags-to-riches journey has become legend across the continent. 

Prateek Suri, once a struggling entrepreneur with unsold electronics stock in India, is today Africa's richest Indian—a visionary tycoon reshaping the African economic landscape with grit, grandeur, and generosity.

This is just one of several multi-million-dollar mansions owned by Prateek Suri—the Indian-born billionaire whose rise from obscurity to African titan is nothing short of remarkable.

From shipping unwanted TVs to Dubai, to now running a billion-dollar electronics brand, and owning luxury properties, private yachts, and a personal island, Suri’s journey embodies the new face of global entrepreneurship.

Prateek's story is as dramatic as it is inspiring. Years ago, facing rejection in the Indian electronics market, he was forced to ship his unsold inventory to Dubai. What seemed like a last-ditch move turned into destiny. His LED TV brand, Maser, found unexpected traction through Dubai-based re-exporters serving African markets.

Within months, African consumers embraced the affordable yet high-quality televisions. Maser exploded in popularity, quickly dominating retail chains and informal markets across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. By 2024, Maser became Africa’s 7th unicorn, with over $1 billion in revenue, setting records for units sold and reshaping the consumer electronics sector.

Prateek didn't just build a business—he built an empire. With multiple golf-course mansions in Lagos and a fleet of luxury yachts anchored off the city’s elite marinas, Suri’s lifestyle is the embodiment of modern royalty.

But the crown jewel of his empire lies off the coast—a private island in the Western African Sea, now poised to become one of Africa’s most exclusive luxury destinations for future. Plans are underway to develop high-end resorts, eco-retreats, and a tech-integrated smart community, aiming to blend leisure with innovation.

Today, Prateek Suri wears more than the hat of a businessman—he’s a venture capitalist, pouring capital into Africa’s future under MDR investments which is part of Maser group. His $500 million venture fund backs high-growth sectors such as Infrastructure & Roadways, Shipping & Logistics, Artificial Intelligence, Data Centers & Cloud Infrastructure and Mining. Through this, Suri isn’t just creating wealth—he’s laying down the foundation of Africa’s next economic leap.

Despite his staggering success, Suri has never forgotten his humble beginnings. His philanthropic work stretches from building schools and health clinics in underserved villages to funding clean water and tech education programs across the continent.

He’s frequently seen at ground-level initiatives, often away from cameras, investing not just money, but time and presence—a rare trait among billionaires.

Prateek Suri’s rise from failed exports to becoming the crown jewel of Africa’s entrepreneurial scene is nothing short of cinematic. He’s a bridge between continents, cultures, and centuries—modern in vision, but deeply human in essence. As he stands poised to develop an island, empower startups, and redefine luxury in Africa, one thing is clear:

Prateek Suri isn't just the richest Indian in Africa—he's one of its most powerful dreamers.