Tanzania - Head of Government

HE Mr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete was sworn in as the fourth President of the United Republic of Tanzania on 21 December 2005 following victory in the presidential and parliamentary elections held on 14 December.

On 26 June 2006, he was elected Chairperson of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party.

Before becoming President, Mr Kikwete served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation from 1995 to 2005. He was Minister of Finance from 1994 to 1995; and Minister of Water, Energy and Minerals from 1990 to 1994.

Mr Kikwete was nominated as a Member of Parliament in 1988 and held the post of Deputy Minister of Energy from 1988 to 1990.

He attained the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1991 after serving in the military in 1972 as a Lieutenant. During this period, Mr Kikwete received training at the Monduli Military Officers’ College in 1983 and was promoted to Major and Chief Political Instructor of the Tanzanian People’s Defence Force in 1984.

Mr Kikwete has a Bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Dar es Salaam.

He was born on 7 October 1950 in Msoga, Bagamoyo District, United Republic of Tanzania.