Zitto Zuberi Ruyagwa Kabwe (born 1976), popularly known as Zitto Kabwe, is a Tanzanian economist and politician. Recognized as one of the most prominent opposition voices of his generation, his political journey is notable for his defection from the main opposition party, CHADEMA, to lead the rival opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, where he served as party leader until March 2024.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Zitto Zuberi Ruyagwa Kabwe |
| Born | September 24, 1976, Mwandiga, Kigoma District, Tanzania |
| Current Party | ACT-Wazalendo (Alliance for Change and Transparency – Wazalendo) |
| Former Party | CHADEMA (1992–2015) |
| Former Office | Member of Parliament for Kigoma North (2005–2015) |
| Education | B.A. Economics (University of Dar es Salaam); Master of Law and Business (MLB), Bucerius Law School, Germany |
| Significance | High-profile anti-corruption campaigner; former Chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) |
Education and Early Political Career
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Academic Background: Kabwe is a highly educated politician, holding an economics degree from the University of Dar es Salaam and a Master of Law and Business from Germany. His background informed his focus on economic policy and public finance throughout his career.
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CHADEMA Years (1992–2015): Zitto Kabwe joined the opposition party CHADEMA early in his life and rose quickly through the ranks, becoming a key youthful figure. He was elected Member of Parliament for Kigoma North in 2005 and served for two terms.
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Anti-Corruption Champion: As an MP, he gained national recognition as a leading anti-corruption crusader, serving as the influential Chairman of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He was strongly associated with the passage of the Mining Act, 2010, which aimed to ensure Tanzania received fairer royalties from its vast natural resources.
Expulsion from CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo
Zitto Kabwe’s career took a major turn due to internal political strife within CHADEMA.
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Internal Conflict: His ambition and often divergent strategies led to political friction with the party’s established leadership, including then-Chairman Freeman Mbowe. He was eventually accused of undermining the party and was expelled from CHADEMA in March 2015.
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Founding ACT-Wazalendo: Immediately following his expulsion, Zitto Kabwe became the co-founder and leader of the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo).
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ACT’s Role: Under his leadership, ACT-Wazalendo grew to become the second-largest opposition party in Tanzania, notably making significant gains in Zanzibar. The party gained a measure of legitimacy by pursuing reconciliation and working with the government on issues of national interest, particularly after the death of President Magufuli.
Political Focus and Current Role
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Economic Reform: Kabwe’s political platform has consistently focused on economic justice, fiscal responsibility, and anti-corruption. He advocates for increased government transparency and better management of natural resources.
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Leadership Change: After serving as party leader for nine years, Zitto Kabwe stepped down from the position in March 2024, honoring the party’s commitment to rotating leadership. He remains a highly influential figure within the party and the country’s political discourse.
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Political Future: Following the recent political turmoil in Tanzania, Zitto Kabwe has signaled his intention to return to active electoral politics, potentially contesting the upcoming 2025 general elections, focusing his attention on his home base of Kigoma.