NEWLY endorsed premier-designate Dr Mwigulu Nchemba is seen as an expert in managing the country’s economy and finances, a safe pair of hands on the basis of his wide experience in portfolios like Home Affairs and Agriculture.

Interviewed analysts said yesterday that the newly appointed premier as veteran cabinet minister shall be helpful for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, given the fact that Vice President Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi left the cabinet 10 years ago, having served as Minister for Home Affairs and earlier, Information, Culture, Sports and Youth, they said.

Otherwise observers were tight lipped as to the reform potential the new prime minister brings with him after his Treasury stewardship, where policy advice is torn between an affirmative outlook pointing in the direction of discipline in public organisations, and delivering structural reforms.

A section of analysts believe the new premier will take a step towards fiscal discipline and inclusive economic transformation, reflecting the president’s resolve to reinforce administrative efficiency and fast-track the National Development Vision 2050.

Dr Bravious Kahyoza, an economist, called the move a "strategic move to prioritize fiscal responsibility and evidence-based policy," asserting that the new premier's economics credentials guarantee a disciplined, analytical and results-driven approach to development issues.

Prof. Haji Semboja of the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) emphasized that the new team's focus on inclusivity and efficiency will boost the execution of Vision 2050 and ensure economic stability.

Prof. Edda Tandi Lwoga of the College of Business Education (CBE) stressed that the new premier’s leadership must drive progress toward investing in quality higher education, research and innovation.

Mwigulu Nchemba, the Finance minister in the outgoing administration, was yesterday near-unanimously confirmed to the post of prime minister by the legislature.

There was scant dissent on the suitability of the nominee after his name was pronounced by the Speaker, where MPs displayed unanimous support for the choice, casting 369 votes in favor out of 371 ballots.

In his acceptance speech, the premier-designate notably directed his remarks to non-performing civil servants, waging a finger at those who are lazy, corrupt or disrespectful to the public, that they should prepare themselves, as the government will be descending with a broom and a rake. 

The president’s vision and promises must be fulfilled," he emphasized, assuring the legislature that the next administration would promote discipline and accountability.

He promised equal treatment and open dialogue for all members of Parliament, including those from opposition parties. "Every Tanzanian deserves to be heard with dignity in every public office," he declared.

His appointment restores the tradition where senior cabinet ministers were appointed to the position, while twice relative new comers were named, including Fredrick Sumaye when he was appointed premier late 1995, after only six months as minister for Agriculture.

The same was the case with former premier Kassim Majaliwa, who was deputy minister from the late 2010 cabinet to the dissolution of the legislature towards the 2015 polls, and returned as premier in the new presidency under the late Dr John Magufuli.