Before his death on Thursday, billionaire philanthropist Reginald Mengi emphasised the need to differentiate friends from business, a quote derived from former business mogul John D, Rockefeller.

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In his last tweet on April 22, Reginald insisted on the need for aspiring entrepreneurs to chose friends wisely to avoid a scenario of losing track while investing. He identified two types of friends.

“Urafiki unaotokana na biashara zenu ni bora kuliko biashara itakayozaliwa kutokana na urafiki wenu”Billionea wa zamani wa Marekani John D,Rockefeller (Friendship that emanates from business is better than business that emanates from friendship," he wrote.

Previously, Reginald Mengi has narrated his rise in the business industry, often citing his humble beginnings. He used to live in a mud hut besides walking barefoot to school.

“I grew up in poverty, but I always saw it as a challenge. The good thing is that you can surmount a challenge if you are willing to pay the price. The price is hard work,” he said.

The Tanzanian walked the talk. In 2014, Forbes magazine listed him as the 46th wealthiest African with an estimated net worth of $560 million (Sh56 billion), effectively making him one of the most influential men in Tanzania.

According to Forbes, Mengi’s IPP Media Group owns 11 media outlets including newspapers, radio and television stations and internet properties.

President John Magufuli praised him as an entrepreneur who never forgot his humble beginnings. He also cited his philanthropic activities throughout Africa during his time on earth.

"Nimesikitishwa na taarifa za kifo cha Mzee na Rafiki yangu Dkt Reginald Mengi. Nitamkumbuka kwa mchango wake mkubwa katika maendeleo ya Taifa letu na maono yake yaliyopo ktk kitabu chake cha I Can, I Will, I Must. Poleni wanafamilia, wafanyakazi wa IPP na Jumuiya ya Wafanyabiashara," wrote Magufuli.

This loosely translates to: " I am saddened to learn about the death of my friend Mengi. I will remember him for his philanthropic activities in Tanzania. I also remember his book 'I can, I will, I must'. I send my condolences to those affected."