Former EAC Secretary-General, Juma Mwapachu dies at 82

Veteran Tanzanian politician and diplomat Ambassador Juma Mwapachu has passed away at the age of 82.

His death, confirmed on Friday, March 28, 2025, has left a significant void in the country's political and economic landscape.

Mwapachu, a longtime member of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), was receiving treatment at Muhimbili National Hospital at the time of his passing.

Mwapachu dedicated his life to public service, holding several leadership positions in Tanzania and across the East African region.

He was Tanzania’s Ambassador to France from 2002 to 2006 and concurrently served as the country's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.

His influence extended to the regional level when he was appointed Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC) in April 2006, succeeding Uganda’s Amanya Mushega.

His tenure, which lasted until 2011, was marked by efforts to deepen regional cooperation and economic integration among East African nations.

Beyond diplomacy, Mwapachu played a crucial role in Tanzania’s economic and industrial sectors.

He chaired the Board of Directors of the Tanzania Railways Corporation, the Confederation of Tanzania Industries, and the East African Business Council.

His policy contributions also included serving as a commissioner of the Presidential Parastatal Sector Reform Commission and participating in crafting Tanzania’s Development Vision 2025.

A trained lawyer, he obtained his law degree from the University of Dar es Salaam in 1969 and later pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in International Law, International Institutions, and Diplomacy at the Indian Academy of International Law and Diplomacy in New Delhi, India.

His academic achievements were recognized when the University of Dar es Salaam awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Literature in 2005.

He also held honorary degrees in Political Science from the National University of Rwanda and in Literature from the University of Dar es Salaam.

In addition to his political and economic contributions, Mwapachu was a respected author who wrote extensively on Tanzania’s economic transformation.

In August 2023, he published his autobiography, A Journey, which compiled his key speeches and writings, offering deep insights into his career and experiences.

His dedication to education and knowledge-sharing was reflected in his leadership roles in academia.

He served as the president of the Convocation and vice chairman of the Governing Council at the University of Dar es Salaam and chaired the Council of the University of Dodoma.

Mwapachu’s influence spanned law, banking, rural development, diplomacy, and private enterprise.

His legacy as a leader and visionary will be remembered for years to come, shaping Tanzania’s development path and inspiring future generations.