Remembering Mustafa Mkulo: A stalwart of Tanzania’s public finance

Dar es Salaam. In the corridors of Tanzanian politics and public finance, Mr Mustafa Haidi Mkulo's name will forever resonate with resilience, stewardship, and a firm commitment to the nation's financial well-being.

As news of his passing while under treatment at the Muhimbili National Hospital reverberated through the nation on May 3, 2024, Tanzanians fondly recalled a man who steered the country through turbulent economic waters with a steady hand.

Born on September 26, 1946, in Kimamba Village, Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, Mr Mkulo's journey to prominence was paved with academic excellence and a deep-rooted sense of duty.

Armed with an MBA degree from Almeda University, he embarked on a career that would shape Tanzania's economic landscape for years to come.

For a span of ten years, he dedicated his expertise and passion to the National Development Corporation (NDC), making it the engine of Tanzania’s industrialization drive.

Over the course of 13 years, his stewardship at the helm of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) not only elevated the fund's status but also served as a catalyst for its unprecedented growth.

Mr Mkulo's tenure as a Member of Parliament for the Kilosa constituency from 2005 to 2015 was marked by his dedication to serving his constituents and advancing their interests on the national stage.

However, it was his role as Finance Minister that truly defined his legacy.

Stepping into the shoes of Deputy Finance Minister in January 2006, he wasted no time to prove his mettle.

His ascent to the position of Finance Minister in February 2008 coincided with one of the most challenging periods in global economic history—the onset of the 2008 financial crisis.

Tanzania, like many nations, faced the daunting task of navigating through unprecedented economic turmoil.

Mr Mkulo was quoted as saying that the crisis had come when African governments had taken broad-based measures to reform their economies, followed by significant achievements.

“It is now threatening to wipe out our gains of the past ten years and disrupt all our plans for further progress," he noted.

Yet, under Mkulo's stewardship, the country emerged as a beacon of stability in a sea of uncertainty. His strategic fiscal policies and prudent financial management ensured that Tanzania weathered the storm better than most of its African counterparts.

Mkulo's tenure at the helm of the Ministry of Finance under President Jakaya Kikwete’s administration was characterised by bold reforms aimed at fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, and enhancing fiscal discipline.

From bolstering revenue collection to promoting investment in key sectors, his visionary leadership laid the groundwork for Tanzania's economic resurgence.

Beyond his achievements on the economic front, Mr Mkulo will be remembered for his humility, integrity, and commitment to public service.

As he takes his final journey back to his beloved Kilosa, Mkulo leaves behind a nation forever indebted to his service and a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Reports from his Mikocheni residence say Mr Mkulo will be buried on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at his home village of Kimamba in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region.

Funeral prayers for the late Mkulo will be held at noon on Saturday, May 4, 2024 and the journey to Kilosa will begin after the noon prayers.