Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba (born 7 January 1975) is a Tanzanian economist and CCM politician, who serves as the elected Member of Parliament for Iramba West Constituency since 2010. On 31 March 2021, President Samia Suluhu appointed him as the Minister of Finance, replacing Philip Mpango, who was elevated to the position of Vice President of Tanzania. Before his current appointment, he served as the Minister of Law and Constitutional Affairs in the Tanzanian Cabinet, since May 2020.[1][2]
Background and education
Nchemba was born on 7 January 1975 in Iramba District, in the Singida Region of Tanzania. He attended Makunda Primary School, then transferred to Iboru Secondary School for his middle school education. He completed his A-Level schooling at Mazengo Secondary School, graduating in 2000 with the equivalent of a High School Diploma.[3]
Before joining elective Tanzanian politics, Nchemba worked as an economist at the Bank of Tanzania. Later, President Jakaya Kikwete appointed him as Minister in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning. His tenure at the finance ministry coincided with the "Tegeta Escrow Scandal", which involved the embezzlement of hundreds of million of dollars by high-ranking government officials. Dr Nchemba, who was not implicated, rightly maintained that the full extent of the law should apply to those involved.[4]
Following the formation of the 6th Cabinet of Tanzania, on 31 March 2021. Dr Philip Mpango was promoted to Vice-President of Tanzania, Nchemba took over the post of the Minister of Finance and Planning.[6] On 4 July 2023, he retained his position of Minister of Finance, however, the Ministry of planning was moved under the president's office.[7]
Other activities
World Bank, Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Governors (since 2021)[8]