Dr Nchemba takes helm as Prime Minister, faces huge task ahead

Dodoma. Dr Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba has officially taken over as Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, following his nomination by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and overwhelming approval by Parliament on Thursday, November 13.

He becomes the 12th person to hold the post since independence, succeeding Kassim Majaliwa, who served from 2015.

Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favour of Dr Nchemba’s nomination, with 369 out of 371 MPs endorsing his appointment.

They praised his track record in economic management and his commitment to fiscal discipline, qualities that many believe will serve him well in coordinating government operations and driving implementation of the new five-year development plan.

Having steered the Finance Ministry through the turbulent post-pandemic period since 2021, he is well aware of the importance of fiscal prudence, revenue mobilisation and transparent use of public resources.

Dr Nchemba, who holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Dar es Salaam, is the first economist and only the second former Minister of Finance, after Cleopa Msuya, to become Prime Minister.

His long public service record, ranging from his early career as an economist at the Bank of Tanzania to serving as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Home Affairs, Agriculture, and later Finance, has shaped him into a well-rounded leader with an intimate grasp of the machinery of government.

His appointment has raised expectations that he will play a central role in guiding and coordinating government efforts to ensure that economic growth benefits citizens at all levels and creates sustainable employment opportunities.

In his acceptance speech in Parliament, Dr Nchemba said he was aware of the magnitude of the task ahead.

He pledged to work diligently to meet the expectations of Tanzanians and to ensure that the government’s promises under CCM Election Manifesto for 2025–2030 are fully implemented.

“I am aware of the weight of these responsibilities and the expectations of Tanzanians. I will work hard, faithfully, and with great determination to meet them,” he said after the confirmation vote.

Dr Nchemba also issued a stern warning to public servants who are lazy, corrupt, or neglect their duties, saying they must change their attitudes to enable the government to deliver on President Hassan’s vision of development.

“For lazy and negligent public servants, I will come with a broom and a rake,” he declared, stressing the need for efficiency and discipline within the civil service.

Dr Nchemba said the next phase of government operations would focus on accelerating implementation of Tanzania’s new Vision 2050, which aims to achieve inclusive development, industrial growth, and a stronger economy.

He noted that the Vision carries high hopes, especially for the youth, and called for collective effort in its execution.

Before his new appointment, Dr Nchemba served as Minister for Finance from March 2021, where he oversaw economic recovery measures in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, strengthened fiscal discipline, and promoted investment.

His experience in that portfolio is expected to help him sustain economic reforms, attract investment, and maintain prudent resource management in his new role.

He has also held several other senior positions in government, including Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, and Deputy Minister for Finance.

Dr Nchemba, who has represented Iramba West Constituency in Parliament since 2010, began his career as an economist at the Bank of Tanzania before joining active politics.

As Prime Minister, he will be responsible for coordinating government business in Parliament, ensuring effective implementation of national policies, and driving ministries to deliver measurable results.

The announcement of a new cabinet line-up is expected in the coming days, marking the start of a new chapter in the government’s agenda for inclusive growth and efficient service delivery.