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Justinian F RweyemamuTanzania's first economist
Date of Birth: 28.09.1942
Country:  Tanzania |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Academic Career at Harvard and Return to Tanzania
- Government Service and International Recognition
- United Nations Career and Legacy
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Justinian Rweyemamu, the First Tanzanian Economist, Born in 1942Justinian Rweyemamu was born on September 28, 1942, in Katome, a small village near Bukoba in present-day Tanzania. After graduating top of his class from St. Thomas More College Ihungo in 1961, he received a scholarship to study in the United States.
He attended Fordham University, graduating in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in economics, applied mathematics, and philosophy. At Fordham, he was involved in the Economic Club and the Philosophy Club.
Academic Career at Harvard and Return to Tanzania
Earning a PhD in Economics and Leading the Economic FacultyRweyemamu then pursued a PhD in economics at Harvard University, graduating in 1971 with a Rockefeller Foundation scholarship. His doctoral dissertation, "Industrial Strategy for Tanzania," explored the conditions for vibrant economic development. It was published in 1973 as "Underdevelopment and Industrialization in Tanzania."
Upon his return home, Rweyemamu joined the faculty of the economics department at the University of Dar es Salaam and later served as dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Government Service and International Recognition
Minister of Planning and Chairing CODESRIAIn 1975, Rweyemamu was appointed Minister of Planning in the Tanzanian government and became President Julius Nyerere's economic advisor. He gained international recognition for his economic analysis and innovation. He chaired the Council for the Development of Social Science Research In Africa (CODESRIA), became a member of the Third World Forum, and co-founded the International Foundation for Development Alternatives (IFDA).
United Nations Career and Legacy
Director of Development and International CooperationIn 1977, Rweyemamu joined the United Nations, working in Switzerland and New York City. He served on the UN Committee for Development Planning, the Brandt Commission, and as the UN's Director of Development and International Cooperation.
Death and Legacy
Remembering the Father of Tanzanian EconomicsJustinian Rweyemamu's life was cut short by cancer on March 30, 1982, at the age of 40. He is remembered as the father of Tanzanian economics, and many of his students have gone on to hold prominent positions in the Tanzanian government and academia.
In 1982, the Justinian F. Rweyemamu Prize was established by his friends and colleagues to honor his memory and inspire young Africans to follow his example of using their talents to serve their countries.
