Extracting the Footprints for Economic Diplomacy Practice in Tanzania from President Mkapa Biography

In November, 2019 the memoirs by the late Benjamin William Mkapa “My Life, My Purpose: A Tanzanian President Remembers” were released. His memoirs, published through UONGOZI Institute’s leadership memoirs project, range from his childhood, younghood, work life, time as president, and his continuing post-retirement involvement at the domestic and international stages. Flanked by high level national leaders of the United Republic of Tanzania ranging from former presidents and to the incumbent president, the book launch event attracted several notable individuals, including political, social, and cultural figures. The event marked a significant occasion not only for the memory of Mkapa but also as a moment to reflect on his impact on Tanzania’s political, economic, and social landscape as it enriched countrymen’s views on leadership and advice for aspiring leaders. The launch was seen as an important milestone in documenting the political history of Tanzania. The autobiography of the former Tanzanian President highlighted Mkapa’s leadership during his time in office from 1995 to 2005, especially his role in economic reforms, foreign policy, and national development. The memoir also delved into Mkapa’s personal reflections on his life, offering insights into the political evolution of Tanzania post-independence, his struggles, and his achievements as a leader [2].

Tragically, just a few months after the launch, on July 24, 2020, President Mkapa passed away. His death came as a significant loss to Tanzania, and many considered the timing of his book launch to be deeply symbolic, as it was his final contribution to the country’s history archive. The President Benjamin Mkapa’s autobiography launch event which was done in November, 2019, was a significant moment not only for the book’s release but also for the nation, as it was one of Mkapa’s final public engagements before his death. The book’s launch, occurring just months before his death, added to its historical and emotional significance, as it offered both a retrospective of his leadership and a personal look at his journey as a public servant and the real son of the Tanzanian soil.

The late President Benjamin Mkapa’s autobiography, “My Life, My Purpose: A Tanzania President Remembers”, stands as a comprehensive reflection on his life, leadership, and the political and economic landscape of Tanzania. The book provides deep insights into his thoughts and experiences during his presidency and beyond. The book provides a detailed account of his life, experiences, and presidency. The book offers insights into his personal and professional growth, his leadership in Tanzania, and the challenges and opportunities he faced during his tenure. Being lucidly articulated in 10 chapters, President Benjamin Mkapa’s memoir provides a rich narrative of his life from childhood to the presidency, offering readers an insightful reflection on the challenges of leadership in post-colonial Africa [3]. It presents both successes and failures, offering valuable lessons for contemporary leaders. The book serves as both a personal reflection and a political analysis of the transformation of Tanzania under his leadership.

Summary of the Book Being narrated in 10 chapters, the late President Benjamin Mkapa’s autobiography, “My Life, My Purpose: A Tanzania President Remembers” contains rich information in very chapter. Chapter one presents Mkapa’s early life and education where he recounts his childhood in the small village of Masasi in Southern Tanzania. he shares anecdotes from his early education, the influence of his parents, and the societal structures of post-colonial Tanzania. Mkapa discusses his time at secondary school and university, and his exposure to nationalist ideas, which would later shape his political career. His educational journey was crucial in forming his understanding of nationalism, independence, and leadership. Chapter two presents the entry into Public Service where he explores Mkapa’s initial involvement in public life. He recalls his work as a teacher and how he later transitioned into a civil servant under the administration of Julius Nyerere. He describes his role in the Tanzanian diplomatic service and his experiences as a foreign service officer. Mkapa also provides context to the postindependence period of Tanzania and Nyerere’s socialist agenda, which deeply influenced his approach to politics and governance. Chapter three presents The Nyerere Era and the Shift to Leadership where he reflects on his relationship with Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania, and how the country’s socialist policies, like Ujamaa, affected its development. He gives insights into his own beliefs in these policies, even as he began to see their limitations. This chapter marks a pivotal transition in Mkapa’s thought process, as he starts to question some of the policies, leading to his future leadership style.

The book’s chapter four presents the Presidency of Benjamin Mkapa-The First Years where he explains myriad challenges he faced before coming into the country’s highest office, including Tanzania’s economic crisis, poverty, and the legacies of socialist policies. The chapter delves into the economic reforms Mkapa initiated, including market liberalization, privatization of state enterprises, and efforts to attract foreign investment. He emphasizes the balance he sought to strike between liberalization and social welfare. Chapter five further economic reforms and challenges where it focuses on Mkapa’s economic policies, particularly his approach to privatization, structural adjustment, and economic liberalization. He discusses his dealings with international organizations such as the IMF and World Bank, and the debate over debt relief for Tanzania. Mkapa reflects on the tension between economic growth and social equity, as well as the criticism he faced from both his domestic political opponents and international critics. He also examines Tanzania’s economic progress, despite these challenges.

The Mkapa’s book’s chapter six further presents Diplomacy and Foreign Relations as Mkapa’s foreign policy and diplomatic efforts take center stage in this chapter. He provides an overview of Tanzania’s relations with neighboring countries and the broader East African Community. He describes Tanzania’s involvement in peacekeeping efforts in Burundi and Rwanda, and his role in shaping Tanzania’s relations with regional and global powers [4]. Mkapa emphasizes the importance of economic diplomacy in securing trade agreements and foreign aid, as well as his work to improve Tanzania’s global image. Chapter seven covered Fighting Corruption and Institutional Reforms where Mkapa details his efforts to combat corruption and reform Tanzania’s political and governmental institutions. He discusses the challenges of navigating a system that had long been plagued by patronage and inefficiency. Mkapa highlights his anti-corruption campaign, the establishment of institutional reforms, and his attempts to create a more transparent and accountable government. He also discusses the limitations of his anti-corruption efforts and the institutional inertia that slowed progress. Chapter eight the book covers The Social Sector – Education, Health, and Infrastructure where Mkapa reflects on his efforts to improve Tanzania’s social sectors, particularly education, health, and infrastructure. He details the challenges of expanding access to quality education and healthcare in a country with limited resources. Mkapa highlights his government’s focus on improving primary education, eradicating diseases like malaria, and building infrastructure such as roads and electricity. The chapter underscores the importance of investing in the social sector as part of the broader development agenda.

The book’s chapter six further presents chapter nine presents Governance and National Unity where Mkapa emphasizes the importance of nation-building and maintaining national unity in a diverse country like Tanzania. He reflects on Tanzania’s multi-ethnic composition and how he worked to ensure that all Tanzanians, regardless of ethnic background or region, felt included in the country’s governance. Mkapa discusses his efforts to maintain political stability while ensuring that democratic principles were upheld, despite challenges from opposition parties [5]. Lastly, on chapter ten on Reflections on Leadership and Legacy where the memoir reflects on Mkapa’s views on leadership and the future of Tanzania. Mkapa discusses his personal leadership philosophy, emphasizing the need for leaders to be both visionary and pragmatic. He reflects on the achievements and shortcomings of his presidency, acknowledging areas where his government succeeded and where it could have done better. He also reflects on his legacy and offers insights into the political trajectory of Tanzania postpresidency. Benjamin Mkapa’s memoir provides a rich narrative of his life and presidency, offering readers an insightful reflection on the challenges of leadership in post-colonial Africa. It presents both successes and failures, offering valuable lessons for contemporary leaders. The book serves as both a personal reflection and a political analysis of the transformation of Tanzania under his leadership.

As a public servant, diplomat, politician, member of the parliament and later the serving the highest office of the country, the book may appeal to readers interested cultivating leadership spirit and trust on leadership. The rationale behind the memoirs of Benjamin William Mkapa, titled “My Life, My Purpose: A Tanzania President Remembers”, can be understood as an attempt to reflect on his political career, document his experiences, and leave a legacy for future generations, particularly in relation to his leadership, economic policies, and role in shaping Tanzania’s post-independence development. His memoir offers valuable insights into the complex nature of governance in post-colonial Africa and provides a personal account of his decision-making processes, struggles, and achievements during his presidency from 1995 to 2005. The autobiography lies in Mkapa’s desire to document his political journey, influence national narratives, contribute to African leadership literature, and offer reflections on his ideological and policy decisions. His autobiography provides a rich resource for understanding Tanzanian political history, the complexities of African leadership, and the challenges of governing in a post-colonial context. However, the academic debate around political memoirs suggests that while they are invaluable historical resources, they must be read critically, taking into account the potential biases and the selective nature of the narratives they present. In understanding the rationale behind these memoirs, we can consider several key academic debates, including the role of political memoirs in post-colonial Africa, the purpose of selfrepresentation, and the interplay between individual political legacies and national histories. Basing on the review, the rationale behind the memoirs of Benjamin William Mkapa can be clustered in to three stances as described here in:

Firstly, memoir stands to uphold personal legacy and political reflection such that one of the main reasons for writing a political memoir is the desire to shape one’s legacy and reflect on the trajectory of one’s leadership. Mkapa’s memoir serves as a tool for him to present his version of history, offering insights into his decision-making processes and actions during his presidency. By articulating his vision and the rationale behind his policies, Mkapa’s narrative seeks to influence how future generations perceive his leadership, while also clarifying the complexities of his administration’s political and economic decisions. However, scholars argue that political memoirs may not always provide an objective portrayal of a leader’s tenure. Barkin (2019) cautions that autobiographies often present a self-serving narrative that may omit or downplay controversial or unpopular aspects of a leader’s policies. Memoirs are frequently criticized for selective memory, particularly when leaders downplay their mistakes or fail to confront their failures honestly Barkin, (2019). Despite Mkapa’s memoir presenting more of his personal experience inside the country, it can be used many African countries as it provides an opportunity for many political leaders and aspirants to interpret and control their historical narratives in ways that may be more favorable to their legacy or to justify their political decisions [6].

Secondly, memoir stands to develop national narratives and collective memory such that Mkapa’s memoir not only serves as a personal account but also functions as a national document that contributes to the shaping of Tanzania’s collective memory. By writing his autobiography, Mkapa engages in a broader effort to contextualize his role in Tanzania’s development in relation to its political and economic history. Given Tanzania’s complex post-independence trajectory, Mkapa’s memoir provides valuable historical context for understanding the evolution of the country under both Nyerere’s Ujamaa socialist model and Mkapa’s subsequent market-oriented reforms. However, scholars criticize political memoirs that they can skew national narratives by offering one-sided accounts that oversimplify complex historical processes. Barkan [5] points out that such memoirs often leave out inconvenient truths or present the leader’s role in an overly positive light, which may lead to a distorted understanding of national history and hinder critical reflection on past policies.

Thirdly, the memoir is meant to contribute to African leadership literature and ethical and ideological reflections such that the autobiographies such as Mkapa’s memoir serve as valuable resources for understanding leadership styles, decision-making, and governance in the African context. Mkapa’s contributions are particularly significant in that they shed light on how Tanzanian leaders navigated the complex post-colonial world order, balancing issues of sovereignty, international diplomacy, and economic reforms. Consequently, Mkapa’s memoir also provides insight into his ideological journey. He reiterates his initial commitment to the Ujamaa socialist principles of Julius Nyerere and how his views evolved over time, particularly as he moved towards embracing neoliberal economic reforms during his presidency. This ideological shift, especially regarding his stance on the role of the state versus the market in development, is central to understanding both Mkapa’s political evolution and the broader shifts in African governance. However, critics like Fukuyama [7] argue that the African leadership literature sometimes fails to account for the structural factors that shape leaders’ choices [8]. They suggest that leaders like Mkapa, while notable, cannot be fully understood outside of the institutional, economic, and historical contexts in which they operate. Fukuyama contends that the political decisions and leadership qualities presented in memoirs may downplay the extent to which these decisions were constrained by external forces such as global economic trends and the legacy of colonialism. On the other hand, critics such as Lal and Houghton [9] suggest that ideological reflections in political memoirs often fail to address the contradictions between leaders’ public rhetoric and their actual policies. In Mkapa’s case, his commitment to neoliberal reforms may not have fully addressed the structural inequalities in Tanzania, which some critics argue were exacerbated during his tenure.

It can be learned that Benjamin Mkapa’s tenure as the President of Tanzania (1995-2005) was marked by significant transformations in both domestic policy and foreign relations. By 2001, Mkapa recognized that the evolving global economic landscape required a shift in Tanzania’s foreign policy, with a primary focus on economic diplomacy. This was driven by the need to respond to economic challenges, attract foreign investment, and elevate Tanzania’s international standing while leveraging economic opportunities for national development. This among other things led to the rationale for crafting a New Foreign Policy in 2001 replacing the former political-focused policy; the genre which rooted from Mkapa’s decision to shift Tanzania’s foreign policy toward a more economicfocused approach which was triggered by several key factors: The fact that Mkapa understood that Tanzania’s foreign relations could no longer focus solely on political and ideological alignments, he aligned his government towards economic diplomacy, where trade, investment, and financial cooperation became central to the country’s interactions with both developed and developing nations. Mkapa worked tirelessly to maintain and strengthen Tanzania’s relations with international financial institutions such as the World Bank (WB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Mkapa’s government succeeded in negotiating for debt relief under the HIPC Initiative, which helped Tanzania reduce its debt burden and redirect resources into key areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. This was central to his strategy of securing the resources needed to advance his economic reform agenda.

The shift toward economic diplomacy necessitated the crafting of the Foreign Policy of 2001 which involved the interaction and engagement of domestic markets with foreign markets across the globe. However, Mkapa prioritized expanding Tanzania’s access to international markets, particularly by fostering better relations with developed countries and positioning Tanzania as a competitive destination for foreign investment. Mkapa further strategically deployed Tanzanian diplomats to represent the country’s economic interests in international forums, ensuring that foreign policy was closely aligned with economic objectives. It was due to the presence of Economic Crisis and Globalization where by the early 2000s, the increasingly interconnected world through globalization, Mkapa’s government understood that Tanzania’s economic interests could not be addressed in isolation. He needed to shift from a traditional foreign policy that emphasized political alliances and regional cooperation to one that actively sought foreign investments, trade agreements, and economic partnerships. Tanzania, like many other African countries, faced persistent economic challenges, including high debt levels, limited foreign exchange reserves, and stagnant growth. Mkapa recognized that Tanzania’s survival and progress depended on economic revitalization, which required enhanced engagement with the global economy.

However, Mkapa’s foreign policy pivot toward economic diplomacy was aimed at improving relations with international financial institutions, securing debt relief, and fostering partnerships that could help alleviate the debt crisis and stimulate economic growth. This was his agenda hitherto towards attaining debt relief and international support: This among other initiatives intensified Mkapa’s diplomatic efforts to secure debt relief through initiatives like the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. It was a major thrust in the crafted policy to enhancing Tanzania’s role within the East African Community (EAC) and broader African Union (AU) frameworks. Hence recognizing the importance of regional integration as a means of expanding Tanzania’s markets, attracting investment, and strengthening its political and economic influence within Africa. This was in line with leveraging natural resources for development where Mkapa sought to turn Tanzania’s abundant natural resources into a source of sustainable growth. It was during his presidency, Tanzania saw an increase in mining activities, particularly in the gold sector, and Mkapa used economic diplomacy to attract international investment in the country’s mining and energy sectors. In the course of leveraging the use of natural resources for development, he steered strategic foreign partnerships where his regime formed partnerships with multinational corporations and foreign investors to exploit natural resources and develop critical infrastructure. It was in Mkapa’s government when the country strongly upgraded bilateral partnerships with countries like China, India and many Western nations. According to Shaw (2017), Mkapa’s economic diplomacy was crucial in positioning Tanzania as a reliable partner in both regional and international contexts, allowing the country to secure aid and investments that fueled its development during his presidency and beyond.

By realizing economic diplomacy as a tool for development, Mkapa realized that effective economic diplomacy could serve as a tool for national development. He focused on leveraging Tanzania’s natural resources, such as minerals and agriculture, to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and create new trading opportunities. In this line Mkapa envisaged Tanzania’s economic diplomacy as a tool for utilizing its resources to negotiate favorable trade agreements, attract investors, and position itself as an important player in regional and global trade. Mkapa’s foreign policy thus emphasized economic partnerships, especially with countries in the global South and emerging economies. It is in this tone that Mkapa’s leadership aimed to revitalize regional economic cooperation through the EAC, which had been dormant for several years. By improving Tanzania’s foreign relations within Africa and beyond, he sought to create a more stable and integrated regional economic block that could compete in the global market. Benjamin Mkapa’s leadership in redefining Tanzania’s foreign policy after 2001 marked a pivotal shift toward economic diplomacy. His efforts to integrate Tanzania into the global economy, secure debt relief, attract foreign investments, and enhance regional cooperation laid the foundation for the country’s growth and development. Mkapa’s strategic vision for economic diplomacy remains a significant part of his legacy and offers valuable lessons for modern leaders navigating the complexities of globalized politics and economic interdependence.

This study continued to extract the economic diplomacy footprints from President Benjamin Mkapa’s autobiography, “My Life, My Purpose: A Tanzania President Remembers”, where it focused on identifying key moments in his career where his actions or policies directly contributed to Tanzania’s economic relations with other nations. These could include:
a. Firstly, by building international investment and trade relations across the globe: In this juncture Mkapa worked to create an environment conducive to foreign investment. He advocated for policies that would attract investors to Tanzania, and his presidency marked an era of increased Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Tanzania. Mkapa also played a role in strengthening bilateral trade relations with various countries. This included myriad initiatives which encouraged foreign investment through policy changes and trade agreements that benefited Tanzania’s economy.
b. Secondly, by promoting Tanzania as a strategic business hub for region and many African countries: The book reiterates on various initiatives as Mkapa’s government took steps to position Tanzania as an attractive destination for trade and investment in East Africa. This was particularly important in terms of building relationships with both regional neighbours and international partners. He worked on policies that facilitated Tanzania’s integration into the global economy. It was in this time when Tanzania increased her profile as a business hub in the region, driven by Mkapa’s economic diplomacy strategies.
c. Thirdly, promoting economic integration in Africa: Since Mkapa was a strong advocate for African economic integration. During his presidency, Tanzania was involved in several regional economic groupings like the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Mkapa worked to strengthen these organizations and promote intra- Africa trade, which is key to economic diplomacy. His advocacy for African unity through regional economic cooperation and increased trade among African nations, enhanced the depth of delivery of economic communities in Africa. It was dream of liberalizing African trade which gave birth to the African Continental Free Trade Area framework which exists today.
d. Fourthly, strengthening engagement with the World Bank and IMF: Where Mkapa’s tenure coincided with a significant period of engagement with international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). As Tanzania faced economic challenges, Mkapa navigated these relationships to secure loans and economic aid, while also ensuring that reforms were in place to stabilize the economy. By negotiating with global financial institutions to secure Tanzania’s economic recovery, particularly through structural adjustment programs and debt relief initiatives.
e. Fifthly, fostering economic diplomacy with emerging economies: Whereby it was during Mkapa’s presidency, Tanzania strengthened its ties with China, India Gulf countries and many Asia growing economies which emerged as a major economic partner for many African countries. Mkapa’s administration benefited from China’s investments in infrastructure, including roads, ports, and the energy sector. This economic relationship was vital for Tanzania’s development. It was in his era when China provided critical financial support for infrastructure development including the construction of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam while India offered opportunities for collaboration in technology and education. Both nations provided trade opportunities for Tanzania, allowing it to diversify its economic relationships beyond traditional Western partners. During Mkapa era, economic diplomacy focused on cultivating strategic relationships with emerging economies like China and India to secure infrastructure and trade benefits.
f. Sixthly, leading debt relief initiatives: Where Mkapa played a pivotal role in advocating for debt relief for African countries. Tanzania, like many African nations, faced significant debt burdens. Mkapa’s leadership in global forums, including the United Nations and the G8, helped highlight the need for debt forgiveness for the world’s poorest nations. In the negotiations process, Mkapa champions debt relief for African countries and mobilizing international support for these initiatives. This went in tandem with integrating economic diplomacy in development assistance where Mkapa further sought to secure development aid and technical assistance from donor countries. His foreign diplomacy work included navigating the complexities of aid relations, ensuring that Tanzania’s development projects were supported by international partners. By leveraging diplomatic ties to ensure the increased Tanzania’s access to international development assistance.

It was during his presidency that, Mkapa oversaw significant economic reforms during, moving away from state-driven economic models to embrace market-driven policies. He engaged with international institutions like the World Bank and IMF, balancing the need for economic liberalization with national interests. He also focused on attracting foreign investment and fostering trade partnerships. These footprints highlight Mkapa’s approach to economic diplomacy, which was focused on regional cooperation, attracting international investment, advocating for African interests on the global stage, and managing Tanzania’s relationships with international financial institutions and donor countries.

In the course of growing economic diplomacy, trade and investment promotion institutions play a critical role. These institutions widely involve leveraging a country’s international relationships to advance economic objectives such as attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), enhancing trade, and facilitating market access for domestic goods and services. These institutions act as intermediaries between governments, foreign investors, and international markets, ensuring that economic policies and diplomatic efforts align with national economic goals. In reflecting the book under review, Benjamin Mkapa was instrumental in the establishment and strengthening of investment promotion institutions in Tanzania. During his presidency from 1995-2005 marked a critical shift towards attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as a key driver of Tanzania’s economic development. Mkapa recognized that Tanzania’s economic growth would depend largely on attracting external capital and forging international economic partnerships. The book revealed key investment promotion institutions established or strengthened under Mkapa as presented here under:
i. Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) (1997): The Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) was established in 1997, during Mkapa’s administration, to serve as a one-stop-shop for investors. Its role was to facilitate and promote both foreign and domestic investment in Tanzania by providing incentives, simplifying the investment process, and supporting investors throughout their investment journey. By creating TIC, Mkapa’s government wanted to create a streamlined, investor-friendly environment to attract FDI. By establishing TIC, Mkapa centralized the process of investment approval, helping to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and attract investments in key sectors like mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. To-date TIC has played a significant role in improving Tanzania’s global investment profile. Mkapa’s policies encouraged foreign investment, particularly in the mining sector, where Tanzania saw an influx of international companies. The institution offered incentives such as tax holidays and duty exemptions to investors (Mrema, 2019). Arguably, on the criticism side while TIC succeeded in promoting investments, its effectiveness was often criticized for being overly bureaucratic, and it did not always live up to expectations in terms of providing support for local businesses or diversifying the types of investments. According to some scholars, TIC’s focus on large-scale, foreignowned investments sometimes led to the exclusion of smalland medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (Ojo, 2020) [4].
ii. Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) (2002) was another key initiative during Mkapa’s presidency was the strengthening and promotion of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Tanzania. The Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) was responsible for developing and managing these zones, which offered tax exemptions, land allocation, and other incentives to foreign and domestic investors who wanted to establish exportoriented manufacturing industries. In crafting EPZA, Mkapa’s administration meant to industrializing the country and saw EPZs as a strategy to attract FDI in manufacturing, boost exports, and generate employment. The creation of EPZs helped Tanzania attract significant foreign investments, particularly in the garment and textile industries. Tanzania became a regional hub for investors seeking tax incentives to set up production facilities in the country (Harrison and Kasambala, 2021). Questionably, EPZs have faced criticism for offering disproportionately high benefits to multinational companies, while failing to integrate local businesses into the global value chains. Furthermore, the focus on export-oriented industries has led to concerns about the sustainability of the economic model (Mlambo, 2020). Critics argue that the incentives in EPZs may not have sufficiently contributed to socio-economic development or industrialization beyond the zones.
iii. Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) Platforms were formed during Mkapa’s administration also fostered platforms for Public-Private Dialogue (PPD), where government representatives and private sector actors could come together to discuss policy issues, regulatory frameworks, and investment opportunities. These dialogues were crucial for ensuring that the voices of investors and businesses were heard in the policymaking process. Mkapa created the dialogues believing that effective economic governance required collaboration between the private and public sectors. The PPD initiative helped to align Tanzania’s foreign investment strategies with the needs and interests of local businesses and investors. This approach was seen as a way to tackle obstacles faced by businesses in Tanzania, including bureaucratic inefficiencies, inconsistent regulatory practices, and poor infrastructure (Harrison and Kasambala, 2021). Arguably, While the PPD platforms were beneficial in theory, in practice, they sometimes failed to address deeper structural issues within Tanzania’s economy, such as corruption, poor infrastructure, and unpredictable regulations. These issues continued to undermine the effectiveness of Mkapa’s economic diplomacy efforts (Mlama, 2020).
iv. Investment Act (1997) was crafted during Mkapa’s administration to deliberately facilitate the passage of the Tanzania Investment Act of 1997, which provided a legal and regulatory framework aimed at protecting investors and promoting investments in key sectors. This Act granted various incentives, including tax exemptions, customs duties relief, and guaranteed protection against expropriation. The Investment Act was crucial to improving the investment climate and ensuring that Tanzania adhered to international norms for investment protection. Mkapa’s administration sought to establish clear rules that would attract foreign capital by offering legal protections for investors. The presence of this Act made Tanzania one of the more attractive investment destinations in East Africa, particularly in sectors such as mining, tourism, and manufacturing (Ojo, 2020). On the other hand, despite these positive reforms, the Investment Act faced challenges in its implementation, particularly with regard to the protection of local industries. Critics have argued that it was overly foreign-investor-centric and didn’t sufficiently consider the interests of Tanzanian entrepreneurs or SMEs. Furthermore, the application of incentives was inconsistent, and investors sometimes faced difficulties in dealing with bureaucratic hurdles (Shaw, 2017).

Mkapa’s role in establishing and strengthening investment promotion institutions like TIC, EPZA, and the Investment Act was central to Tanzania’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment and foster economic growth. While these reforms played a key role in modernizing the country’s economic landscape, the criticisms of their limited impact on local industries, SMEs, and sustainable growth suggest that a more balanced and inclusive approach may have been needed. The long-term effectiveness of Mkapa’s investment promotion strategy can be debated, but it undeniably laid the foundation for Tanzania’s integration into the global economy. Mkapa’s efforts to establish and strengthen institutions such as TIC, EPZA, and the Investment Act were significant in improving Tanzania’s investment climate and boosting foreign investments.

concluding this review, it can be learnt that Benjamin Mkapa’s memoir provides a rich narrative of his life and presidency, offering readers an insightful reflection on the challenges and progress of leadership in post-colonial Africa. President Mkapa’s autobiography has managed to provide critical insights into his leadership and his vision for Tanzania’s economic and political future; while putting forward his contributions to Tanzanian and African development with evidenced transformation through economic reforms, regional cooperation, and global engagement. The memoir further presents valuable lessons for contemporary leaders. The book which serves as both a personal reflection and a political analysis of the transformation of Tanzania under his leadership can be the helpful fountain for tracing the whole course of growing economic diplomacy practice in Tanzania. With the mixed views, the autobiography seems as an idealized account of Mkapa’s legacy, while other schools of thoughts recognize it as an important resource for understanding the complexities of post-independence African leadership and the ideal journey of emancipation. Given the underlying fundamental institutions for growing and promoting economic diplomacy in Tanzania as they can be seen in today’s world. Given the usefulness of trade and investment practices promotion institutions play a critical role in country’s growth and development, the President Mkapa’s memoir informs how his strategic thinking in shaping and growing the country can lead to balancing national sovereignty with the demands of global economic forces in the contemporary global landscape.

On the other hand, basing on the basic lessons learnt through extracting the footprints for economic diplomacy practice in Tanzania from President Mkapa Biography two recommendations are put forward:
Firstly, administrators and leaders in the country’s governance system are urged to instill good and ethical governance as Mkapa kept emphasizing the importance of visionary leadership, the ability to adapt, and the need for ethical governance. This stands as one of the cornerstones insisted across the whole autobiography. Handling leadership discussion and debate. It could be learnt from the review that, President Mkapa successfully aced the economic diplomacy practice in Tanzania as he managed to bring supporting systems and structures in place. The supportive policies and institutions he pioneered during his time in the office laid the foundation of the entire economic diplomacy architecture. The need of upholding and sustaining the quality of governance is urged to be fundamental for long-term results of all good things founded in President Mkapa time.

Secondly, awareness creation on fundamentals of economic diplomacy practice among policy makers, administrators and leaders is urged to be accommodated in all processes. Given in the economic diplomacy architecture in Tanzania for various actors to be taken on board various forms of sensitization are needed to be in place to improve the awareness for multidimensional actors. This recommendation goes in tandem with the need of elevating the reading culture of the entire community for the entire community level to access the hidden knowledge in written works. By reading books individuals can learn abundantly, hence elevating the quality of individuals in the society. The need of upholding and improving the reading culture and learning curiosity can be fundamental in leading to long-term results community transformation as opined in the President Mkapa’s book.

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