Panel 11: Tanzania in Transition – From Nyerere to Mkapa

This panel will focus on understanding the character of important societal transitions in Tanzania during Benjamin Mkapa’s presidency (1995- 2005). The analyses of the trajectory of these transitions will be conducted against the background of the development framework promoted Tanzanian’s first president, Julius Nyerere (1961-1985), a model with lasting influence on the country. This approach enables an understanding of continuities and discontinuities in Tanzania over time as to development strategy and ideology, agrarian-, land and gender issues, economic liberalization, development assistance, corruption and political change.

Mkapa’s presidency is particularly important because it represents the first phase of Tanzania’s multi-party political system. Mkapa’s government initially faced a gloomy economic situation. Although Mkapa’a crusade against corruption lost direction, his presidency was characterised by relatively high growth rates and a stable macro-economy. Developments during the current president Jakaya Kikwete (since 2005) will also be analysed in order to get insights into the recent direction of Tanzanian transitions.