FORMER AFRICAN PRESIDENT-IN-RESIDENCE

The Africa House Former African President-in-Residence program allows us to host former Heads of State for an extended period of time to engage them in the intellectual life of Africa House. During this time, the former Heads of State take part in various activities like writing, public speaking, working with Africa House researchers and faculty, and interacting with members of the NYU community.

His Excellency Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete

Former President of the United Republic of Tanzania (2005 to 2015)
Inaugural Africa House Visiting Scholar in Residence (Spring-Summer 2018)

In April 2018, H.E. Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete, former president of the United Republic of Tanzania (2005 to 2015), joined NYU as the Inaugural Former President in Residence at Africa House for a 3-month residency. President Kikwete collaborated with members of the NYU community and wrote his memoirs entitled “The Journey of My Life: From a Barefoot Schoolboy to President” with NYU Africa House staff and Student Research Assistants. This book reflects on his forty years in public service, his ascension to the presidency, leadership skills for the next generation of leaders, and his vision for the future of Africa. President Kikwete shared his vast knowledge and experiences with faculty, students, and various departments across the University, and further developed his ongoing work with NYU’s College of Nursing facilitated by the New York-based non-profit Miracle Corners of the World (MCW).

Prior to his presidency, President Kikwete held key positions in the Tanzanian Government as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Energy and Minerals. During and following his presidency, he continued to be instrumental in championing a development agenda focusing on women, children, and public health.

President Kikwete has served as the Co-Chair of the UN Commission of Information and Accountability on Women’s and Children’s Health, Chairperson of the United Nations High Level Panel on the Global Response to Health Crisis, and Chairperson of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA).

Upon his retirement, President Kikwete assumed leadership roles in different capacities as Co-Chair of the UN High Level Advisory Group on Every Woman Every Child; Member of the UN Lead Group on Scaling Up Nutrition, the Global Ambassador for Immunization, Member of the World Malaria Council; Commissioner of the International Education Commission for Financing Global Education Opportunity; Co-Chair of the World Refugee Council; African Union High Level Representative on Libya; and Chairman of the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation.

“The Journey of My Life: From a Barefoot Schoolboy to President,” the book that he wrote during his time at NYU, is scheduled to be released in 2019.