Some leaders celebrate success; others create it. Former President Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete belongs firmly in the second category. Those who have worked closely with him often point to one defining trait: he has little tolerance for failure.
Once he accepts a responsibility, he pursues it with determination, careful planning and teamwork.
That reputation was evident when Tanzania mounted its campaign to elect Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi as Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region.
When President Samia Suluhu Hassan endorsed Professor Janabi as Tanzania’s candidate, she entrusted the continental campaign to one of the country’s most accomplished statesmen. Dr Kikwete’s diplomacy, African networks and reputation as a consensus builder made him uniquely suited to the task.
The result spoke clearly. In May 2025, Professor Janabi secured 32 votes from African member states in a single ballot, defeating candidates from Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Togo.
His victory was later confirmed by the WHO Executive Board, placing a Tanzanian at the helm of one of Africa’s most important health institutions.
It was more than an election win; it was a triumph of strategic diplomacy.
The campaign began under difficult circumstances after the sudden passing of Tanzania’s original nominee, Dr Faustine Ndugulile. Time was short and the contest highly competitive.
Yet, with President Samia’s firm political backing, Dr Kikwete helped assemble a coordinated effort involving ministers, diplomats and Tanzania’s missions across Africa. Every embassy became part of the campaign; every relationship mattered.
The then Health Minister, the late Jenista Mhagama, later described the effort as anchored on a “4R Strategy” — Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding. Behind those principles stood Dr Kikwete’s steady leadership, ensuring the campaign understood both the destination and the route.
He personally engaged leaders from more than twenty African countries, drawing on friendships built over decades to underline Tanzania’s record of African solidarity. Historical ties with Guinea, Professor Janabi’s contribution during Ebola outbreaks in Congo-Brazzaville, and liberation-era bonds with Southern Africa all strengthened the case.
The campaign also showcased Professor Janabi’s own credentials: advising successive Tanzanian presidents on health policy, contributing to international Ebola responses and helping mobilise substantial resources for health-system strengthening.
President Samia’s administration ensured the message reached every corner of the continent. Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Ministers Mhagama and Nassor Mazrui, Ambassador Hoyce Temu and many diplomats coordinated lobbying from African capitals to Geneva. Ambassador Temu led outreach among African ambassadors accredited to the WHO with discipline, discretion and precision.
Even logistics did not slow the effort. Teams flew through several hubs to secure single meetings while maintaining constant communication, including virtual strategy sessions with Dr Kikwete.
The team had hoped for 28 to 35 votes; Professor Janabi received 32, confirming both his credibility and Tanzania’s growing diplomatic influence.
For President Samia, the campaign reinforced Tanzania’s commitment to placing capable citizens in influential global roles.
For Africa, it delivered an experienced health leader at a critical moment. And for Dr Kikwete, it added another chapter to a career defined by one enduring principle: when entrusted with an important mission, success is never left to chance.
It is planned carefully, pursued relentlessly and delivered with the quiet confidence of a statesman who knows how to make things happen.