On October 18, 2024, the Uongozi Institute Resource Centre hosted a thought-provoking book review of Edward Moringe Sokoine’s life and leadership, led by Prof. Issa G. Shivji. The review shed light on the enigmatic nature of Sokoine’s ideological stance—a subject that has intrigued scholars for decades. 

While Sokoine worked closely with President Julius Nyerere, a staunch socialist, it has always been challenging to pinpoint whether Sokoine fully embraced socialism or leaned toward “national capitalism.” This ambiguity stems from Sokoine’s advocacy for Tanzanian control over national resources, as opposed to “compradorial capitalism,” which often favours foreign interests at the expense of domestic economic sovereignty.

Prof. Shivji highlighted that Sokoine’s approach was not just theoretical but deeply rooted in pragmatic governance. His focus on national ownership of key industries, self-reliance, and empowerment of Tanzanians in economic matters mirrored his commitment to a just society—whether through socialist or nationalist principles. 

This ideological flexibility, paired with his austere lifestyle and anti-corruption stance, has made Sokoine a stark contrast to the governance trends in Tanzania today, marked by escalating corruption and a lack of accountability.

Sokoine’s leadership was defined not only by integrity and accountability but also by his efforts to establish economic policies that favoured Tanzanians. He was critical of external economic dominance and believed that the true essence of Tanzanian sovereignty lay in the hands of its citizens. 

While this aligned with Nyerere’s socialist ideals in promoting self-reliance, Sokoine’s economic policies were also open to capitalist ventures—provided they were led and controlled by Tanzanians.

This ideological nuance made Sokoine a unique figure in Tanzanian politics, standing on a thin line between socialism and national capitalism. While Nyerere’s socialism sought to align economic power with the state, Sokoine emphasized broader national ownership, enabling individual Tanzanians to drive wealth creation without foreign dependency. 

His vision was rooted in empowering locals, bridging the gap between state-led socialism and a form of capitalism that prioritized Tanzanians over foreign investors.

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His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by simplicity, accountability, and a deep sense of duty, a robust stance against corruption, an unwavering push for equitable resource distribution, and a fierce determination to keep Tanzania economic interests in the hands of Tanzanians. 

Sokoine’s commitment to national capitalism often placed him at odds with foreign investors and domestic elites who sought to benefit from compradorial capitalism, characterized by its tendency to prioritize foreign interests over national development.

His insistence on local ownership and control of key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and manufacturing was not merely rhetoric—it was a blueprint for economic sovereignty. Sokoine believed that genuine independence required Tanzanians to be at the forefront of wealth creation and distribution.

The Current State of Affairs: A Dismal Contrast

Fast forward to recent times, and the Tanzanian public sphere paints a disheartening picture of leadership. Despite various anti-corruption pledges by successive governments, corruption has resurfaced as a persistent issue. 

Several cases highlight the skewed procurement processes, opaque foreign deals, and weak regulatory frameworks that allow foreign entities to exercise considerable control over Tanzania’s natural resources, often to the detriment of local communities.

Recently Tanzania’s economic trajectory has often tilted towards compradorial capitalism, leading to significant foreign influence over the nation’s strategic sectors. 

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This shift has exacerbated public discontent, as many Tanzanians feel marginalized in their own economy. Moreover, corruption and lack of accountability in governance have further entrenched disparities, leading to economic policies that favour elites—both foreign and domestic—while sidelining ordinary citizens.

Citizens’ Growing Frustration and a Call for Change

The disconnect between the principles Sokoine championed and the current state of governance has led to a growing wave of discontent among Tanzanians. Many citizens believe that recent governments have abandoned the ethos of national development, replacing it with foreign-centric economic policies that perpetuate inequality. 

This frustration has translated into calls for renewed commitment to Sokoine’s ideals: anti-corruption measures, greater accountability, and economic policies that truly serve Tanzanians.

As Tanzanians continue to face issues of corruption and foreign economic dominance, Sokoine’s principles offer a blueprint for a more self-reliant and accountable Tanzania.

The legacy of Sokoine is not just a memory of a past era but a potential roadmap for the future—one that places Tanzanians at the heart of both economic and political processes, reinforcing the nation’s sovereignty and integrity.

John Kitoka is an independent research consultant and writer on socio-economic and political affairs based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He’s available at +255 755 622697 or kitoka2000@gmail.com. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.