One of African richest men, Reginald Mengi has died  the age of 75.

The Tanzanian business tycoon was pronounced dead on Thursday in Dubai after suffering a short illness. His death was confirmed by two of his media outlets, ITV and Radio ONE.

The business tycoon, whose IPP Media Group owns 11 newspapers, radio and television stations and internet properties, has left behind a wife, Jacqueline Ntuyabaliwe-Mengi and two sons.

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The Icon wrote a book, titled I Can, I Must, I Will, which was released last year and told of his journey from humble beginnings, being raised in a mud hut in a small village in Northern Tanzania, to becoming one of the continent’s most successful entrepreneurs.

In addition to media, IPP has interests in Coca-Cola bottling, gold mining and computer goods.

He also campaigned to promote disability, environment and youth empowerment issues.

In 2014 he was ranked as the 45th richest man in Africa, with assets worth $560 million, according to Forbes magazine.

He caused some controversy in 2015 when he married Jacqueline Ntuyabaliwe-Mengi, a former Miss Tanzania and pop star, due to their age difference.

Just weeks ago, he celebrated his wife on Twitter. “I love you more than the sand in all the seas in the whole world,” he wrote.