Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar as Tanzania’s new Minister of Finance, marking a significant shift in the country’s economic leadership.
Ambassador Omar, who until recently served as Tanzania’s ambassador to China, was appointed as a Member of Parliament by President Samia last week, a procedural move that paved the way for his elevation to the key finance portfolio.
Diplomacy and fiscal expertise
His extensive background in finance and diplomacy is set to influence his approach to domestic and international fiscal policy.
Prior to his ambassadorial role, Mr Omar has held several high-level positions combining economic and public service experience.
He notably served as the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MOFEA) in the Zanzibar Government from 2006 to 2021.
Furthermore, he gained extensive experience in tax administration, rising from a tax collector position at the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to become its Deputy Commissioner for Zanzibar operations between 1986 and 2002.
His fiscal experience is rounded out by previous service on the boards of financial institutions like the Bank of Tanzania and the Zanzibar Revenue Board, alongside a tenure as Chairman of the Board at Tanga Cement in 2005.
His recent diplomatic experience, particularly in managing economic and trade relations with one of the world’s largest economies, is expected to be a significant asset in his new ministerial role.
He succeeds former Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who was appointed as Tanzania’s new Prime Minister.
Cabinet reshuffle and strategic focus
The President’s announcement comes as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle aimed at strengthening key ministries and ensuring effective implementation of the government’s development agenda.
In the reshuffle President Hassan has dropped out seven Cabinet ministers, including Dr Doto Biteko, who served as the minister for Energy and Deputy Prime Minister till the October 29 General Election.
As she promised in the inaugural speech during the official opening of Parliament she has formed a Youth Development minister under the President’s Office.
The President has appointed Joel Nanauka as the minister.
He is a Member of Parliament for Mtwara Urban and a renowned motivator, author of 45 books, and an expert scholar in development and economic diplomacy
