As the Former President of Tanzania, His Excellency Dr. Jakaya Kikwete is using his wealth of knowledge and expertise to improve the lives of people in Africa and around the world. In 2017, Dr. Kikwete started his own foundation, the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation, where he now serves as Chairman. The Foundation’s mission is to work with governments and other stakeholders to bring about progressive change and transform the quality of people’s lives across Africa.
Dr. Kikwete also serves as a Co-Chair on the World Refugee Council and as Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam. As President of Tanzania from 2005 to 2015, he sought an ambitious agenda for faster and sustained economic growth in the country throughout the two terms of his administration. During his presidency, he also served as Chair of the Africa Union in 2008-2009 and Chairman of the Southern African Development Community Troika on Peace, Defense and Security in 2012-2013.
Before becoming President, Dr. Kikwete held several ministerial portfolios, including Minister of Finance, Minister of Water, Energy and Natural Resources, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, he led Tanzania’s efforts to bring peace to the African Great Lakes region. He also served as Chairman of the SADC Organ on Security, Defense and Politics in 2007, where he was involved in searching for a solution to political crises in the Southern African Region.
Dr. Kikwete has received many awards for his leadership, including the United Nations Foundation’s Social Good Award. In 2015 he was named African Statesman of the Year by The African Sun Times.