Mkapa, Benjamin William (1938– )

Tanzanian politician and diplomat, president 1995–2005. He became press secretary to President Julius Nyerere in 1974 and went on to hold a number of posts in government. As foreign affairs minister 1977–80, he was active in the negotiations leading to Zimbabwean independence. He was elected to the central committee of the ruling Revolutionary Party of Tanzania (CCM) in 1987, becoming its successful presidential candidate in 1995.

After founding the Tanzania News Agency in 1976, Mkapa was appointed high commissioner to Nigeria until 1977. He served as high commissioner to Canada 1982–83 and then ambassador to the USA, resuming the foreign affairs portfolio 1984–91 and winning a parliamentary seat in 1985. He won the CCM's nomination for the presidency with the support of Mwalimi Nyerere, succeeding Ali Hassan Mwinyi in the first free presidential elections.

Mkapa was born in Ndanda and educated at Makerere University College and Columbia University before joining the foreign ministry and also embarking on a career in journalism.