List of 100 Tanzanian Changemakers 2024 revealed
What you need to know:
- The list highlights trailblazers shaping the country’s future and features industry leaders from government, the public sector, and private sector players in business, academia, technology, health, media, and entertainment.
Dar es Salaam. In celebrating leadership, innovation, and creativity, the eagerly anticipated 2024 list of 100 Tanzanian Changemakers has been unveiled. This prestigious edition honours individuals driving transformative change across various sectors in Tanzania and beyond.
The list highlights trailblazers shaping the country’s future and features industry leaders from government, the public sector, and private sector players in business, academia, technology, health, media, and entertainment.
This year's list features President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has been recognised for her leadership and visionary reforms since she took over the top office in 2021. Samia is credited for bridging political division and her economic diplomacy efforts.
Zanzibar's First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, has been recognized for his role in supporting the island's socio-economic transformation and demonstrating unwavering commitment to effective governance.
Zanzibar's First Lady, Mariam Mwinyi, has been making significant strides in advocating for maternal health and gender equality, pushing boundaries in her pursuit of social change.
Others on the list include Gilead Teri, Executive Director of the Tanzania Investment Centre, who plays a crucial role in positioning Tanzania as a top investment destination, driving economic growth across the country.
Private sector guru David Tarimo, the retired Country Senior Partner of PwC Tanzania, has been instrumental in shaping tax policy discussions, influencing national debates, and working alongside the Ministry of Finance, the Tanzania Revenue Authority, and private sector bodies has also been recognized.
Zahoro Muhaji, CEO of the Tanzania Startup Association, has been celebrated for his leadership in fostering innovation and creating opportunities for startups in Tanzania.
Zuweina Farah, External Affairs Director at Vodacom Tanzania, has received the nod for continuing to make an impact through her corporate leadership and external relations efforts.
Dr Medard Ernest Kaiza, an expert in immunology at the University of Pittsburgh, had been recognised for his pioneering research into anti-tumour immunity, contributing significantly to the development of new cancer treatments.
Spotlight on media professionals:
Among the distinguished names in the media industry is Salim Kikeke, the co-founder of Crown Media. Renowned for his award-winning work as a radio and television presenter, Kikeke is also a former BBC presenter whose career is marked by his charismatic storytelling and unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity.
Jaqueline Lawrence, the Director of Highlands FM Radio, based in southern Tanzania. Her efforts have bridged the information divide between rural and urban communities in the region.
Highlands FM Radio stands out for its innovative approach to community-centred programming. By collaborating with NGOs, multinational corporations, and other stakeholders, the station delivers bespoke programmes that amplify voices from southern Tanzania, making it a beacon of inclusivity and social empowerment.
Also featured is Mpoki Thomson, the Acting Executive Editor at Mwananchi Communications Limited and Managing Editor of The Citizen, who has been recognized. Thomson’s leadership has been pivotal in setting new benchmarks for journalism in Tanzania, ensuring credible and impactful reporting across both print and digital platforms.
Adding to the media recognitions is Fredrick Bundala, the founder of Simulizi na Sauti, one of Africa’s fastest-growing YouTube channels. With an array of content spanning news, entertainment, lifestyle, and more, Bundala has revolutionised digital storytelling.
Others from different sectors, such as Fintech, include Iain Usiri, the co-founder and CEO of Ramani, a company that has developed a software platform that captures supply chain data to drive sales visibility and enable resellers to access financial services.
Prisca Magori, the co-founder and CEO of Smart Efd, has also been recognized for her innovative solutions to tax compliance.
The 100 Tanzanian Changemakers is released annually by Serengeti Bytes, an impact agency that deals in strategic communications, public relations, and digital marketing.