Joseph Isangura
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has joined Tanzanians from all walks of life in mourning the death of veteran public servant, economist and opposition figure Edwin Mtei, hailing him as a principled leader whose influence on the nation’s economic and political journey will endure long after his passing.
In an official message issued through the Presidential Communications Directorate, President Samia conveyed her heartfelt condolences to Mr Mtei’s family, relatives, friends and all those touched by the loss. She said Tanzania had lost a thoughtful and courageous leader who dedicated much of his life to public service and national development.
The President reflected on Mtei’s distinguished career in government, particularly his role in shaping Tanzania’s financial and economic institutions in the years following independence. She noted that his appointment as the first Governor of the Bank of Tanzania between 1966 and 1974 placed him at the centre of efforts to build a credible and stable central banking system. During that formative period, Mtei played a key role in laying down institutional frameworks that would guide monetary policy and financial management for decades.
According to President Samia, Mtei’s contribution went beyond technical expertise. He was widely regarded as a disciplined thinker who believed strongly in professionalism, accountability and long-term planning. His work in finance and national planning helped steer the country through complex economic choices at a time when Tanzania was still defining its development path.
The President also recalled Mtei’s significant role in Tanzania’s political history, describing him as one of the early voices that pushed for political pluralism. As a founding member of Chadema, he became closely associated with the struggle for multiparty democracy in the early 1990s, a period marked by intense national debate. His decision to enter opposition politics, observers say, reflected a deep commitment to democratic ideals and freedom of expression.
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Although his political journey was not without controversy, many analysts argue that Mtei’s willingness to challenge dominant narratives helped broaden national dialogue. He was known for speaking candidly on economic governance, corruption and leadership, even when his views attracted criticism. Supporters and critics alike acknowledge that his interventions often sparked important conversations about the country’s future.
President Samia further noted that Mtei’s legacy is preserved not only in institutions and political reforms, but also in his writings. Through his autobiography and other publications, he documented his personal experiences, leadership struggles and reflections on nation-building. These works, she said, continue to serve as an important resource for students, researchers and young leaders seeking to understand Tanzania’s political and economic evolution.
Since news of his death emerged, tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, underscoring the respect Mtei commanded as a national figure. Economists have praised his intellectual rigour, while political leaders have highlighted his courage to stand by his convictions. Civil society groups have described him as a reminder of the role individuals can play in shaping public institutions through integrity and service.
As the country reflects on his life, Edwin Mtei is widely remembered as a man who helped build key pillars of modern Tanzania, challenged systems he believed needed reform, and left behind lessons on leadership, patriotism and public accountability. His passing, many say, closes an important chapter, but his ideas and contributions will continue to resonate with future generations.
