Jakaya Kikwete — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Fourth President of Tanzania (2005-2015)
Elected Chairman of the African Union (2008)
Led initiatives in education, including building 1,500 new secondary schools
Launched a national campaign for voluntary HIV/AIDS testing
Brokered a power-sharing deal to end political crisis in Kenya

Biography

Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete served as the fourth President of Tanzania from 2005 to 2015. He was selected as the presidential candidate for the CCM party in May 2005 and was sworn in as President of the United Republic of Tanzania on December 21, 2005, following a multiparty general election. His governing philosophy and political views were influenced by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.