Benjamin W. Mkapa, a seasoned journalist, diplomat and politician, was elected President of Tanzania in November 1995. He is the third President of the United Republic of Tanzania since independence in 1961.

President Mkapa was born in 1938 in Masasi, in the Mtwara region of the country. He received his primary and secondary education in Tanzania, and continued his studies at Makerere University College in Uganda, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in English (with honours) in 1962.

President Mkapa's career began in local administration in Dodoma where he was appointed District Officer in 1962. He became a Foreign Service Officer later that year. In 1966 Mr. Mkapa embarked upon a long career in journalism. During the 1960s and 70s he served as Managing Editor of Tanzania's leading newspapers, The Nationalist, Uhuru, The Daily News, and The Sunday News.

His experience in the news media led to his being appointed, in 1974, as Press Secretary to the then President of Tanzania, H. E. Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, whom he served for two years. 

In 1976, Mr. Mkapa became the Founding Editor of the Tanzania News Agency (SHIHATA).

He also became Minister for Information and Culture in 1980-82; and again Minister for Information and Broadcasting in 1990-92.

President Mkapa's equally long diplomatic career included a number of high postings, including High Commissioner to Nigeria (in 1976) and Minister for Foreign Affairs (from 1977 to 1980).

In 1982, he served as High Commissioner to Canada and between 1983 and 1984 as Ambassador to the United States of America. He returned home in 1984 where he was again appointed Member of Parliament and Minister for Foreign Affairs. In 1992, he served as Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Education, prior to being elected President in 1995, and Chairman of his Party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, in 1996. He was re-elected President in 2000 for another 5 year term.

Throughout his political career, President Mkapa has worked to strengthen Tanzanian democracy, entrench civil rights and fight poverty, while increasing the country's exposure to international trade and investment. He is active in conflict prevention, management and resolution in the Great Lakes Region of Africa, and is an active player in regional economic co-operation within the East African Community, and the Southern African Development Community of which he is Chairperson for 2003/2004.

In January 2002, President Mkapa was appointed, together with the President of Finland, Co-Chair of the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation.

President Mkapa holds three honorary doctorate degrees from Soka University in Japan (1998), Morehouse College, Atlanta, USA (1999) and The Open University of Tanzania (2003). 

His first book, Uwazi na Ukweli: Rais wa Watu Azungumza na Wananchi (Truth and Transparency: The People's President Talks to the People) was published by Mkuki na Nyota Publishers, Dar es Salaam in 2003. 

He is married to the former Anna Joseph Maro, and they have two sons. His main hobby is reading.