The 100 NRIs – 2026: Prateek Suri, Chairman, Maser Group; Founder, MDR Investments

This article forms part of The 100 NRIs, a special edition by Entrepreneur Middle East spotlighting the most influential non-resident Indians shaping business, innovation, and investment across the region.

Chairman of Maser Group and Founder of MDR Investments, Prateek Suri’s entrepreneurial journey reflects the rise of a new generation of Indian business leaders who have built global enterprises by aligning commercial ambition with long-term development. Widely known as the richest Indian in Africa and often described by industry observers as the “Technology Tiger of Africa,” Suri has emerged as one of the most influential business figures operating across emerging markets.

Suri first gained prominence through Maser, the consumer electronics brand he founded and expanded into the Maser Group, a diversified multinational valued at around US$5 billion with interests in technology, energy, and investments. Under his leadership, Maser became one of Africa’s most extensive tech networks, supplying smart TVs, air conditioners, and digital devices to millions. Today, it ranks among the continent’s top gadget sellers, with annual revenues over US$1 billion and a key role in enhancing digital access in developing economies.

Beyond Africa, Maser Group has progressively expanded into the Middle East and Latin America, establishing regional distribution networks, forming strategic partnerships, and developing trading platforms. These initiatives have enhanced the Group’s international footprint, positioning it as a prominent cross-continental technology and investment enterprise.

A major turning point came in 2025, when Maser became part of one of the largest acquisitions in Africa’s history, a transaction widely regarded as a historic achievement in the continent’s consumer electronics sector. The landmark deal reflected the brand’s exceptional market position, operational scale, and long-term sustainability. For Suri, the acquisition represented both validation of his entrepreneurial vision and a transition toward institutionbuilding and strategic investments.

Following this milestone, Suri launched MDR Investments, a private equity and venture platform focused on Africa’s next growth phase. Through MDR, he began deploying capital into high-impact sectors including mining, infrastructure, shipping, logistics, and artificial intelligence. The platform works closely with governments and development partners, emphasising Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to deliver large-scale national projects.

MDR’s mining portfolio includes strategic investments in copper and gold assets across Africa and Latin America, supporting industrial supply chains and energy-transition metals. By integrating resource development with modern processing and efficient logistics, he has strengthened regional value chains and export capabilities.

In 2026, Suri advanced his long-term tech vision by acquiring large agricultural land in West Africa to develop AI-powered data centres for cloud computing, fintech, e-governance, and enterprise services. These facilities aim to create Africa’s largest digital infrastructure ecosystem, reflecting his belief that data, connectivity, and AI will drive the continent’s future competitiveness. Beyond business, he remains dedicated to social impact through the Maser Foundation, which focuses on education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and community development across multiple countries.

Today, Suri represents a rare combination of entrepreneur, investor, and institution-builder. By integrating technology, energy, natural resources, and digital platforms across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, he continues to shape new pathways for sustainable global growth.

Related: Entrepreneur Middle East Reveals “The 100 NRIs” List