AMBASSADOR Juma Volter Mwapachu, who served as the Secretary-General of the East African Community (EAC) from 2006 to 2011, passed away on March 28, 2025, in Dar es Salaam.

Beyond holding various distinguished positions, including Tanzania's Ambassador to France and President of the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), Ambassador Mwapachu is also remembered for his political shift in October 2015, when he left the ruling CCM party to join the opposition in support of Edward Lowassa. He later returned to CCM in 2016.

Family sources revealed that the respected diplomat passed away on Friday evening in Dar es Salaam, "We are now preparing for the funeral arrangements of our beloved Ambassador Mwapachu," a family member stated, though the cause of death has yet to be disclosed.

Biography of Ambassador Juma Volter Mwapachu

Born on September 27, 1942, in Mwanza, Tanzania, Ambassador Mwapachu dedicated much of his life to public service, diplomacy, and the private sector.

Education

Ambassador Mwapachu earned a Law degree from the University of Dar es Salaam in 1969, followed by a Master's Diploma in International Law and Diplomacy from the Indian Law and Diplomacy College in New Delhi. In 2005, the University of Dar es Salaam awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Literature in recognition of his contributions.

Career

In the 1970s, Ambassador Mwapachu served in the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Administration and later as Tanzania's High Commissioner to India. From 2002 to 2006, he was Tanzania's Ambassador to France and a permanent representative to UNESCO.

In April 2006, he was appointed by President Jakaya Kikwete as the Secretary-General of the East African Community, a role he held until 2011, succeeding Amanya Mushega of Uganda.

In addition to these roles, Ambassador Mwapachu chaired several boards, including Tanzania Railways Corporation and the East African Business Council. He also served as a Commissioner on the Presidential Commission for the Reform of Public Corporations and participated in several presidential commissions contributing to the Vision 2025 for Tanzania's development.

Legacy and Publications

Ambassador Mwapachu was known for advocating knowledge exchange and authored several books and articles focusing on Tanzania's transformation and development. In August 2023, he released his memoir titled Safari, a compilation of his major speeches and writings, providing insights into his professional career and personal experiences.

He also served as the President of the University of Dar es Salaam Alumni Association and Chairman of the University of Dodoma Council.

The passing of Ambassador Mwapachu is considered a great loss to Tanzania and the East African region, owing to his immense contributions in diplomacy, regional cooperation, and national development.