Her Excellency Mama Salma Kikwete, former First Lady of the United Republic of Tanzania, stands tall among Africa’s most impactful female leaders. As the founder and Chairperson of the Wanawake na Maendeleo Foundation (WAMA), Mama Salma has dedicated her life to advancing education, gender equity, public health, and the economic empowerment of women and girls, core pillars that continue to shape the sustainable development landscape across Tanzania and beyond.
Founded in 2006, WAMA has become a beacon of hope for thousands of underserved Tanzanian children, particularly girls from orphaned and low-income backgrounds. Through its flagship Girl Child Education Program, over 600 girls have received critical educational support, with at least 290 awarded full four-year scholarships that cover tuition, school supplies, transport, and uniforms. Mama Salma’s emphasis on holistic support ensures that these girls are not just educated but also empowered to lead.
Under her leadership, the Foundation has constructed transformative institutions like WAMA-Nakayama Secondary School, which currently educates more than 400 students and offers Advanced Level science and business courses. Another landmark, WAMA Sharaf Secondary School in Lindi Region, is specifically designed to serve vulnerable girls, many of whom are orphans or from marginalized communities, giving them a fighting chance at life through quality education.
A seasoned educator herself, with more than two decades in the classroom, Mama Salma brings a deeply personal touch to her advocacy. A mother of five and stepmother to four, her life and leadership are grounded in compassion, inclusivity, and service. Her personal motto, “Treat Every Child as Your Own,” reflects the values she instills across her work and public service engagements.
Beyond education, Mama Salma Kikwete is a respected voice in the fields of maternal and child health, youth empowerment, and HIV/AIDS prevention. In 2005, she broke cultural barriers by being among the first high-profile Tanzanians to undergo a public HIV test a courageous act that helped destigmatize testing and encourage national awareness. As Vice President of the Organization of African First Ladies Against AIDS (OAFLA) since 2009, she has championed programs addressing the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, adolescent sexual health, and gender-based violence across Eastern and Southern Africa.
Mama Salma’s advocacy spans globally. She has actively participated in high-level international summits, including the 2014 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), where she pushed for youth-centered health and rights. She serves as Patron of the Medical Women Association of Tanzania, Patron of the Tanzania Girl Guides Association, and is a distinguished member of the High-Level Leadership Group on Adolescents and Young People’s Rights.
Her dedication has earned her several accolades, including the GAVI Alliance Leadership Award, the 2013 Millennium Development Goals Women’s Progress Award, and the 2013 Global Inspirational Leadership Award. These honors speak not just to her tireless work in Tanzania but also her influence as a continental and global changemaker.
In an era where African women are claiming their space in leadership, science, education, and governance, Mama Salma Kikwete exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and purpose. Her contributions continue to reshape the narrative for women and girls, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the tools to break cycles of poverty, ignorance, and disease.
As part of the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent 2025, Mama Salma Kikwete is celebrated not just for what she has achieved but for the millions of lives she continues to inspire and uplift. Her legacy is one of love, leadership, and lifelong learning, an indelible mark on Tanzania’s future and Africa’s development story.
Leave a comment