Jakaya Kikwete Quotes

Powerful Jakaya Kikwete for Daily Growth

About Jakaya Kikwete

Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, born on October 7, 1951, in Tanzania, served as the fourth President of his native country from 2005 to 2015. Known for his diplomatic skills and commitment to peacekeeping, Kikwete was not only a political leader but also an accomplished author. Born into a family of modest means in the rural village of Ileje, Kikwete's early life was marked by hardship. However, he showed academic promise, eventually earning a scholarship to study at Makerere University in Uganda and later at the London School of Economics (LSE). His education, particularly his studies in economics, would significantly influence his future political career. Kikwete's political journey began in 1980 when he joined Tanzania's ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). He held various ministerial positions before being elected as the Prime Minister of Tanzania in 2000, a role he held until his presidency. As President, Kikwete was praised for his leadership during the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya, where he played a crucial role as the regional mediator. He also oversaw significant economic growth and infrastructure development in Tanzania. In addition to his political career, Kikwete is an author of several books. His most notable work, "The African Dream: My Journey from a Rural Village to Leadership," provides insights into his personal life, political journey, and visions for Africa's future. The book reflects his belief in the potential for Africa to overcome its challenges and realize its dreams. Post-presidency, Kikwete continues to be an active voice on African politics and development. He remains a respected figure both in Tanzania and internationally, recognized for his contributions to peacekeeping, economic growth, and literary work.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Development is not a gift; it's a right."

The quote by Jakaya Kikwete emphasizes that the pursuit of development, which encompasses progress, prosperity, and improvement in living standards, is not something to be granted or bestowed upon people as a favor or charity, but rather it's an inherent right of every individual and community. This perspective underscores the belief that every person should have equal opportunities for growth, equality, and self-determination, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status. It calls for concerted efforts to create a more equitable global environment where everyone can reach their full potential.


"Education is the key that unlocks the door to success in life."

This quote by Jakaya Kikwete emphasizes the crucial role education plays in personal development and achieving one's goals. It suggests that knowledge and skills acquired through education serve as a powerful tool, enabling individuals to unlock opportunities, overcome obstacles, and ultimately, lead successful lives. In other words, investing time and effort into learning is an essential stepping stone towards realizing one's potential and aspirations.


"We need to focus on what unites us as Tanzanians, rather than our differences."

This quote emphasizes the importance of unity over division among the citizens of Tanzania. The message is that by focusing on shared values, aspirations, and identity, Tanzanians can foster a strong, cohesive society that promotes peace, progress, and mutual understanding. By acknowledging and addressing differences respectfully, they can work together to build a more harmonious nation. This perspective encourages empathy, tolerance, and collaboration, ultimately strengthening the social fabric of Tanzania as a whole.


"Poverty is not natural; it is man-made."

This quote by Jakaya Kikwete emphasizes that poverty, contrary to a common misconception, is not an inherent or inevitable condition, but rather a socially and politically constructed issue. It suggests that through human actions, decisions, and systems, some individuals are disadvantaged, leading to poverty. This perspective calls for social responsibility and collective effort in addressing poverty by reevaluating and reforming the policies, practices, and structures that perpetuate it.


"The future of Africa lies in its own hands, but we must seize the opportunities with both hands."

This quote emphasizes that Africa's destiny is primarily within its own control. It encourages Africans to actively engage in shaping their own future by capitalizing on available opportunities with determination and focus. In essence, it underscores the importance of self-reliance, proactivity, and commitment in realizing Africa's potential for growth and development.


There were times when there were riots in Africa, demonstrations against the IMF because of the policy advice they were giving, the conditionalities they were imposing, and the difficulties that arose out of the implementation of those conditionalities.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Africa, Imposing, IMF, Riots

At independence, Tanzania had 350,000 elephants... in 1987, there were only 55,000 elephants left.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Only, Left, Were, Elephants

We design our own programmes; we take leadership. Of course the donors come in to support us, to complement our efforts. Our responsibility to the donors is about accountability: about how we use that money. If somebody gives you his money, definitely he will be interested in knowing how you spend the money.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Own, Use, About, Complement

To me, the most critical thing in agriculture is investing in the peasant agriculture, transforming peasant agriculture.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Agriculture, Peasant, Most, Investing

The presidency is not an office job. If I only sit in the office in Dar es Salaam, I'm not running the country. I visit the country to inspect development programmes, to inspect activities, to see how things are going, how the government agenda is being implemented, what are the teething issues.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Office, Country, Issues, Implemented

If people want to get into leadership through corrupt practices, through corrupt means, I think that's detestable; we have to take action.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Think, Through, Means, Detestable

If we invest in logistic centers, improve on infrastructure and create a facilitative environment, we can easily turn Dar es Salaam into another Dubai of its kind.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Kind, Invest, Another, Centers

Our government is focused on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity and on creating the right conditions for Canadian businesses.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Government, Focused, Jobs, Conditions

If somebody gives you his money, definitely he will be interested in knowing how you spend the money.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Will, How, Somebody, Gives

Land ownership has never been a problem. People have access to land. The peasants cannot complain about land ownership.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Never, Been, Peasants, Complain

The presidency is not an office job.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Job, Office, Presidency

Africa needs access to markets.

- Jakaya Kikwete

Access, Africa, Needs, Markets

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