Celebrating the Mkapa years: Tanzania remembers 

It is with no doubt that Tanzanians remember the period when the country rose from a state-controlled economy attached to socialist objectives; then came efforts to broadcast Tanzania to the world, heralding a liberalized economy and pursuing market-oriented reforms. It is significantly crucial to say Tanzania remembers this vital stride, made possible by its late third President Benjamin William Mkapa, who passed away on July 23 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  Mkapa was Tanzania’s most distinguished political figure whose tenure as president began from 1995 to 2005.  He assumed many international and regional roles, as a diplomatic figure, peace negotiator and a chair to different bodies such as Southern African Development Community (SADC), and founder of a trust in his name.  As Tanzania mourns his passing and also celebrates his utmost service to the most vital office in government, it is of paramount importance to exercise remembrance of his political legacy that laid a foundation for Tanzania to be a mushrooming platform for investment, trade and peace.  Mkapa’s economic transformation  Mkapa took the helm of power when the nation was still under state-controlled economy, featured by monopolistic and heavily regulated production structures in all sectors of the economy, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  As