John Magufuli and Tanzania’s Rebirth: Any Lessons for Africa?

Abstract

Until the five-year rule of John Magufuli in Tanzania, which is tantamount to a rebirth, revolution and redirection of the African nation, the international community may not have imagined that Africa could upstage a visionary leader that has the capacity to change the African leadership narratives of corruption, ineptitude, and sit-tight syndrome. Magufuli set Tanzania on a path of emotional and psychological decolonization: from uncommon flagrant rejection of a $10b loan from China to practical reconstruction of Tanzania and leadership by example, Magufuli derailed from the corruption and visionless leadership associated with African leaders. Although he was one of Africa's most prominent corona virus (Covid-19) sceptics, it was obvious that his focus was to look inward and depend less on the west for any form of solutions to African challenges. To Magufuli, no imperial power is tormenting Africa; thus, a properly managed remnant of the colonial relics can be explored and developed to regurgitate the African economy to achieve African dreams. Using media reports, interviews, and commentaries, especially those of historians and journalists, as well as secondary sources such as journal articles, this study examines the argument that Africa has the capability to throw up visionary leaders and the capacity to govern with results that will decimate the onslaught of corruption and ineptitude in African polity.