Nyerere, Julius Kambarage (1922–1999)

Tanzanian socialist politician, president 1964–85. He devoted himself from 1954 to the formation of the Tanganyika African National Union and subsequent campaigning for independence. He became chief minister in 1960, was prime minister of Tanganyika 1961–62, president of the newly formed Tanganyika Republic 1962–64, and first president of Tanzania 1964–85.

He became head of the Organization of African Unity (OAU; later African Union) in 1984.

Nyerere was educated at Makerere University College and in Edinburgh, and was a teacher before entering politics.