Edwin Mtei, Tanzania’s first central bank governor, left lessons on leadership

Edwin Mtei, Tanzania’s first central bank governor, left lessons on leadership

Edwin Mtei, who passed away on 20 January 2026, was the first governor of Tanzania’s Central Bank after independence from Britain. He filled the post until 1974. Mtei was appointed by Julius Nyerere, who served as president from 1964 until his resignation in 1985. Nyerere once said of Mtei: “Once a governor, always a governor”, as quoted in Mtei’s autobiography, From Goatherd to Governor. He meant Mtei would always carry the title of governor, g…

Tanzania mourns legendary Economist, Democrat

TENGERU: THE late Mr Edwin Mtei, the first Governor of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and founding member of Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), was laid to rest yesterday at his home in Tengeru, Arusha, in a ceremony celebrating his life. The burial service was officiated by Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in recognition of Mtei’s outstanding contributions to the nation’s economic and democrat…