The National Assembly confirmed Dr. Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba Madelu as Tanzania’s new Prime Minister on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
He pledged to implement President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision, promising development and prosperity over the next five years.
He takes over from Kassim Majaliwa, who served from 2015, and enters office with a mandate to accelerate national development, restore discipline in public service, and ensure the effective implementation of the President’s vision.
Born on January 7, 1975, in Makunda village, Iramba District, Singida Region, Dr. Mwigulu comes from a modest rural background.
He grew up herding cattle in the village, a task he credits for instilling discipline, patience, and respect for hard work.
These formative years shaped his approach to public service, which emphasizes accountability, efficiency, and results.
He attended Makunda Primary School before progressing to Iboru Secondary School for O-Level and Mazengo Secondary School for A-Level studies in Dodoma.
Despite financial challenges, he benefited from bursaries and scholarships, reflecting his early determination to succeed through education.
Dr. Mwigulu later joined the University of Dar es Salaam, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics between 2001 and 2006.
He completed a PhD in Economics in 2018 and holds a leadership certificate from the Uongozi Institute, equipping him with academic and leadership skills that underpin his career in public service.
Dr. Mwigulu’s political journey spans over a decade.
He became the Member of Parliament for Iramba Magharibi in 2010 and quickly rose within Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), serving as Party Treasurer and later Deputy Secretary General.
His ministerial career reflects a trajectory of increasing responsibility. He served as Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries from 2015 to 2016, then as Minister of Home Affairs from 2016 to 2018.
He later served as Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs from 2020 to 2021 and returned as Minister of Finance and Planning in 2021, a position he held until his confirmation as Prime Minister.
In Parliament, Dr. Mwigulu was confirmed with overwhelming support, receiving 369 votes out of 371 cast, while two ballots were invalid.
In his acceptance speech, he outlined clear priorities, emphasizing accountability, discipline, and adherence to the President’s development agenda.
“The President’s vision and promises must be implemented. Those who fail in duty will face accountability,” he said.
He urged public servants to avoid laziness, corruption, and disrespectful behavior, underscoring that the effectiveness of government depends on disciplined service delivery.
Dr. Mwigulu also called on Tanzanians to uphold peace and national unity.
“Tanzanians must prioritize peace, maintain unity, and put God first. Our collective responsibility is to ensure stability while pursuing development,” he said.
He appealed to citizens to support government policies and initiatives, highlighting that participatory governance and civic responsibility are essential for progress.
He expressed gratitude to President Samia for her confidence and to Parliament for endorsing him. Dr. Mwigulu assured that all voices would be heard in government decision-making.
“All citizens will be heard, and every office must operate with discipline. All Members of Parliament, including those from minority parties, will have equal opportunity to contribute,” he said.
Known for sharing his personal journey, Dr. Mwigulu frequently recounts how his early life in rural Singida—herding cattle and facing daily hardships—taught him resilience and respect for work.
He attributes his achievements to discipline, education, and perseverance, using his story to inspire Tanzanian youth to pursue education and hard work as pathways to success.
Analysts note that Dr. Mwigulu’s appointment reflects a deliberate focus on restoring public service efficiency and accountability.
His leadership style is results-driven, shaped by experience across multiple government portfolios, and his priorities align closely with President Samia’s development agenda for the sixth-phase government.
His confirmation signals continuity in policy implementation while emphasizing reform in public service culture.
Dr. Mwigulu’s career demonstrates a blend of technical expertise and political acumen. In Finance, he was instrumental in implementing fiscal policies to sustain national growth.
In Home Affairs, he managed internal security, and in Agriculture, he oversaw strategies to boost food production and rural livelihoods.
This broad experience equips him to coordinate cross-sectoral initiatives, ensuring that national policies are translated into tangible outcomes for citizens.
His parliamentary address also emphasized citizen-centered governance.
“Public offices must serve the people efficiently. Those who fail to respect citizens’ rights and public trust will be held accountable,” he said.
The statement underscores his commitment to service delivery and accountability as central pillars of his premiership.
Dr. Mwigulu’s rise from a rural upbringing to Tanzania’s second-highest office embodies a narrative of perseverance, education, and public service dedication.
His appointment is expected to strengthen governance, restore discipline in public service, and accelerate the country’s development priorities, particularly in economic growth, social services, and public sector efficiency.
As Prime Minister, Dr. Mwigulu faces the challenge of translating national strategies into concrete results.
His initial statements in Parliament signal a focus on restoring work ethic, ensuring accountability, promoting peace, and fostering inclusive governance.
These priorities set a clear benchmark for his leadership in the sixth-phase government and his commitment to delivering results that directly impact Tanzanian citizens.
