Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is in mourning following the passing of one of its most distinguished statesmen, Ambassador Juma Volter Mwapachu.
Mwapachu died at the age of 82 while undergoing treatment at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam.
The news of his passing emerged on the evening of March 28, 2025 and were confirmed by his family on March 29, 2025.
A formidable figure in Tanzanian diplomacy, Mwapachu born on September 27, 1942, in Mwanza was known for his contributions to the East African integration agenda and his leadership in both the public and private sectors.
His career spanned decades, during which he served as Tanzania’s ambassador to France, Permanent Representative to Unesco, and, most notably, as East African Community (EAC) Secretary General from 2006 to 2011.
A stalwart of East African integration
Mwapachu’s tenure as EAC Secretary General was a period of significant progress in regional cooperation.
He played a pivotal role in implementing the EAC Customs Union (2005) and negotiating the Common Market Protocol, signed in 2009 and operationalised in 2010.
These milestones laid the foundation for the free movement of goods, services, labour, and capital across East Africa, fostering deeper economic ties between member states.
His leadership extended beyond bureaucratic achievements; he was a vocal advocate for a people-centred approach to integration, emphasising the need for East Africans to perceive tangible benefits from regional policies.
Under his stewardship, the EAC strengthened its institutions, broadened its mandate, and positioned itself as a key player in Africa’s economic transformation.
A distinguished diplomatic career
Prior to his appointment as EAC Secretary General, Mwapachu served with distinction in Tanzania’s diplomatic corps.
As Ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to Unesco, he championed Tanzania’s cultural and educational interests on the global stage.
His diplomatic finesse earned him respect amongst his peers and positioned Tanzania as a reliable partner in international forums.
His academic credentials further bolstered his diplomatic and policy expertise.
A graduate of the University of Dar es Salaam’s Faculty of Law, he later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in International Law, International Institutions, and Diplomacy from the Indian Academy of International Law and Diplomacy in New Delhi.
In recognition of his intellectual contributions, he was awarded honorary doctorates by the University of Dar es Salaam (2005) and the National University of Rwanda.
Championing private sector growth
Though deeply rooted in public service, Mwapachu was equally passionate about private sector development.
He believed that sustainable economic growth necessitated robust public-private partnerships.
His leadership roles in the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) and the East African Business Council (EABC) underscored his commitment to fostering business-friendly policies.
As Chairman of the EABC, he played a crucial role in shaping the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC (1999), ensuring that private sector perspectives were embedded in regional integration frameworks.
His advocacy for trade liberalisation, industrialisation, and cross-border investment helped shape East Africa’s economic trajectory.
Beyond policy, Mwapachu actively engaged in corporate leadership, serving on the boards of several financial institutions, including Exim Bank Tanzania.
His insights into economic governance made him a sought-after advisor in both governmental and business circles.
An intellectual legacy: Author and thinker
Mwapachu was not merely a man of action but also a prolific writer.
His books provided incisive analyses of Tanzania’s and East Africa’s socio-economic evolution.
Amongst his notable works were: Challenging the Frontiers of African Integration: The Dynamics of Policies, Politics, and Transformation in the East African Community. This is a seminal text on regional integration.
A Journey: My Life, Speeches & Writings – A memoir reflecting on his career and vision for Tanzania. This is an autobiography.
Tanzania in the Age of Change and Transformation. This work is an exploration of the country’s post-independence development challenges.
His writings remain essential reading for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in Africa’s political economy.
Politics and governance
Mwapachu’s commitment to good governance was unwavering.
He contributed to Tanzania’s Development Vision 2025, a blueprint for the nation’s long-term socio-economic aspirations.
However, his relationship with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) was not without controversy.
In 2015, he made headlines by resigning from CCM, citing concerns over the party’s direction.
His departure was seen as a bold statement against political complacency.
Yet, in a testament to his enduring belief in the party’s foundational ideals, he rejoined in 2016, reaffirming his dedication to Tanzania’s political evolution.
Final farewell and enduring legacy
Ambassador Mwapachu’s passing has elicited tributes from across East Africa and beyond.
Leaders have hailed him as a visionary whose work transcended national borders.
His body is to be transported to his ancestral home in Pande, Kiomoni, Tanga, where he will be laid to rest on March 30, 2025.
In an era where leadership is often measured by short-term gains, Mwapachu’s career stands as a testament to the power of long-term vision, integrity, and unwavering dedication to public service.
His legacy will endure in the institutions he strengthened, the policies he shaped, and the generations of leaders he inspired.
Tanzania has lost a true patriot; East Africa, a unifying force; and the world, a diplomat of rare calibre.
As the nation bids farewell to one of its finest sons, his ideals of unity, progress, and principled leadership will continue to guide the region forward.
Rest in Peace, Ambassador Juma Volter Mwapachu (1942-2025).
