Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete

President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (born October 7, 1950) is the current President of the United Republic of Tanzania.He is also the Chairperson of the African Union.

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Created: 20th Feb 2008
Modified: 8th Jul 2008

Professional Information

Employer:

Government of Tanzania

Position:

President

Working primarily in:

Tanzania

Description of Work:
Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has been in public service for more than 30 years, and as the fourth president of the United Republic of Tanzania, is one of the youngest leaders in East and Southern Africa.

Kikwete has served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for the past decade. He has been in the cabinet since 1988 and was previously Minister of Finance and Minister of Energy and Minerals.

Kikwete served in the Tanzanian military, becoming the chief political instructor of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces in 1984. On May 4th, 2005, Kikwete emerged victorious in the nomination for Presidential candidacy in the general election. After a 14th December 2005 multiparty general election, he was declared a winner by the Electoral Commission on December 17th, 2005 and was sworn-in as the Fourth President of the United Republic of Tanzania on 21st December 2005.

Soon after receving his party's nomination, Kikwete pledged to implement a number of ambitious economic projects, prioritize scientific research and development, augment tourism and actively fight poverty.