By Mutayoba Arbogast
The Benjamin William Mkapa Foundation (BMF) has received the Best Leadership Award, a recognition that celebrates two decades of transforming Tanzania’s healthcare landscape while reaffirming the country’s commitment to investing in people, innovation and strong institutions.
The award was received by the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Ambassador Liberatha Mulamula, on behalf of the Foundation from Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, during the Fourth Mkapa Heritage Meeting held on July 16 at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
Far more than an institutional accolade, the award recognizes the Foundation’s sustained leadership in strengthening Tanzania’s health systems, expanding access to quality healthcare, developing human resources for health and improving the well-being of communities across the country.
Under the stewardship of Ambassador Mulamula and the Board of Trustees, the Mkapa Foundation has continued to evolve into one of Tanzania’s most respected development institutions, working closely with government, development partners and communities to bridge healthcare gaps, strengthen local capacity and promote sustainable development.
For Ambassador Mulamula, whose leadership also extends to the continental stage as the African Union Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, the recognition reflects a philosophy built on partnership, inclusion and long-term impact. Throughout her diplomatic career, she has championed peacebuilding, women’s leadership and sustainable development across Africa—values that continue to shape the Foundation’s work.
Receiving the award, Ambassador Mulamula dedicated the recognition to the many partners who have contributed to the Foundation’s success over the years.
“This award is a reflection of our shared dedication. It speaks to the partnerships we have built and the trust we continue to nurture as we work toward a healthier and more equitable society,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to working closely with management, government institutions and development partners to expand programmes that strengthen healthcare systems while empowering communities across Tanzania.
The ceremony carried special significance as it marked 20 years since the establishment of the Mkapa Foundation and six years since the passing of Tanzania’s Third Phase President, Benjamin William Mkapa, whose vision inspired the creation of the institution.
The gathering brought together senior government officials, healthcare professionals, international development partners, academics and young innovators to reflect on the Foundation’s achievements while exploring new pathways for Africa’s healthcare future.
Held under the theme “From Legacy to Future: Leadership, Health Systems and Youth-Led Human Capital for Africa,” the Heritage Meeting underscored the importance of investing in people—particularly young people—as the cornerstone of resilient and sustainable healthcare systems.
Speakers stressed that while infrastructure and technology remain important, healthcare transformation ultimately depends on a skilled, motivated and innovative workforce capable of responding to changing health challenges.
The Foundation reiterated that human capital development remains central to its mission, noting that building and retaining qualified healthcare professionals is essential for achieving universal access to quality healthcare.
That message resonated strongly with participants, particularly as African countries continue strengthening health systems following lessons learned from recent public health emergencies.
Adding an international perspective, World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa, Professor Mohamed Janabi, called for greater investment in Africa’s youthful population through employment, innovation and digital transformation.
He argued that Africa’s rapidly growing youth population represents one of the continent’s greatest strategic assets and should be viewed as a driver of development rather than simply a beneficiary.
“Young people are not just beneficiaries of development; they are drivers of it. By equipping them with skills and opportunities, we can unlock solutions that are both locally relevant and globally competitive,” he said.
The event showcased that vision in practice through an exhibition featuring health technologies developed by young Tanzanian innovators. The displays ranged from digital health platforms and data-driven healthcare solutions to community-based diagnostic technologies designed to improve healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
Vice President Nchimbi toured the exhibition, interacting with young innovators and reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and locally developed healthcare solutions.
He noted that preserving President Mkapa’s legacy requires more than commemorating his achievements.
Instead, he said, it requires sustained investment in people, stronger institutions and bold support for innovation capable of transforming healthcare and national development.
“We must continue to invest in our people, strengthen our systems and support innovation if we are to build a healthier and more prosperous nation,” he said.
Over the past two decades, the Mkapa Foundation has translated that vision into measurable impact. Established to address critical shortages in human resources for health, the Foundation has trained thousands of healthcare professionals, strengthened rural health services and implemented community-based programmes that have expanded access to essential healthcare across Tanzania.
Its interventions have been especially significant in underserved and remote communities where shortages of skilled health workers have historically limited access to quality care.
As Tanzania and the wider African continent confront emerging health threats, demographic shifts and rapid technological change, participants agreed that future success will depend on institutions capable of adapting while remaining grounded in equity and collaboration.
Ambassador Mulamula’s emphasis on partnerships, innovation and inclusive leadership positions the Foundation to continue playing that role.
The Best Leadership Award therefore recognizes not only two decades of achievement but also the Foundation’s readiness to shape the next generation of healthcare transformation in Tanzania.
As the Fourth Mkapa Heritage Meeting concluded, one message stood above all others: true leadership is measured not only by the legacy it leaves behind but by its ability to inspire future generations to build stronger institutions, healthier communities and more inclusive societies.
By honoring the Mkapa Foundation, Tanzania celebrated an institution that continues to translate President Benjamin Mkapa’s enduring vision into practical action—ensuring that his legacy lives on through healthier communities, empowered youth and a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for generations to come.
