Tanzania, once dubbed the ‘man-eat-nothing’ society by its East African neighbours to reflect its socialist leanings, is now outperforming both Kenya and Uganda and is set to increase the growth gap over the next decade. A large measure of its ongoing economic progress can be attributed to political stability (on the mainland) and, a so far, incorruptible top leadership. The former president, Benjamin Mkapa stepped down after two terms as demanded by the constitution and the country’s new leader, Jakaya Kikwete was the natural heir. But Kikwete, writes Ahmed Rajab, editor of Africa Analysis, has his own firm views and while he might not rock the boat too roughly, he is likely to sharpen the country’s economic direction.

Tanzania’s new president, Jakaya Kikwete who won last December’s presidential election by a landslide, is living up to his electioneering campaign slogan - ‘new zeal, new vigour and new speed’.

He has started his presidency with a bang by visiting individual ministries and warning that he will not tolerate inefficiency and corruption – the bane of the previous administration under his predecessor Benjamin Mkapa, who has retired after serving his maximum two terms in office.

At the Lands Ministry, Kikwete advised the minister John Magufuli to sack all those involved in corrupt practices. “Even if there are 1,000 of them sack them all and let’s start afresh,” he ordered. The presidential visits to the individual ministries are a novelty to Tanzania and should keep the ministers and their senior officials on their toes.