In a rapidly evolving global economy, few individuals stand out as both architects and champions of change. Andrew Mahiga, a private sector specialist, has emerged as one such figure, blending creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking to reshape Tanzania’s business landscape.
Currently Andrew serves as the Country Director for The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) at the British High Commission in Tanzania, which combines expertise to remove trade barriers and bilateral trade and investment between Tanzania and the UK.
For some, a career trajectory is linear. For others, like Andrew it is a mosaic of experiences that shape and redefine the journey. From creative beginnings in media and marketing to a prominent role in shaping policies for economic transformation, he exemplifies adaptability and purpose-driven ambition.
Andrew’s journey, marked by continuous reinvention, speaks to his flexibility and foresight. “I’ve always been a very creative and innovative person,” he reflects. “I liked to say and do things differently. I wanted to leave my mark in whatever I did.” This ethos carried him through early ventures in sports, fashion, advertising, and marketing, eventually guiding him to his current role as a private sector specialist.
His professional story began in the media and marketing sector, where he founded and ran his own company after studying in the U.S. However, his pursuit of greater impact led him back to academia in his early 30s, earning a Master’s degree in the U.K. Armed with fresh insights, he returned to Tanzania in 2018, stepping into roles that would define his career trajectory.
“Working in private sector development and the business environment space gave me a new perspective,” Andrew shares. His subsequent positions with the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TSF), the U.S. Embassy, and now the U.K. High Commission, underscore his growing influence in shaping Tanzania’s economic policies. Today, Andrew is known for his expertise in improving the business environment through targeted reforms in policies, laws, and regulations.
Vision as a Driving Force
As a private sector specialist, Andrew focuses on policies, regulations, and strategies that foster a conducive business environment in Tanzania. The work involves navigating challenges familiar to many: limited resources and stakeholder buy-in. Central to his success is his ability to envision the future. “You don’t have to do it on your own. Taking a step back or starting over is not failure, that is just a lesson,” he explains. This clarity has enabled him to navigate challenges, from resource constraints to skepticism rooted in his relatively young age.
“By the time I was 30, I held positions typically held by people who were 40 or older. So, by virtue of my age, people started doubting my capabilities or not take me seriously – especially coming from a Tanzanian and African culture where age is strongly linked to competence. It is something that I learned to not take personally and keep working hard and proving to people that I belonged wherever I was placed.”
If there’s a recurring theme in Andrew’s career, it’s his ability to connect with people. “If I was to generalize a cross-cutting accomplishment that has been present throughout my professional career, it would be building relationships and being able to relate to people on a personal level and at every level of society,” he notes. “I’ve been able to open doors, unlock challenges and create solutions just from the way I speak and interact with people in a genuine and honest way.” This skill has earned him trust across various sectors, enabling him to drive initiatives that leave lasting impacts.
His advice to future leaders is both practical and profound: think big but start small. “Don’t try to solve every problem overnight. Take incremental steps and remain flexible. Sometimes, starting over isn’t failure; it’s a lesson,” he emphasizes. Collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability are at the core of his approach. “The process is as important as the outcome. Ensure that it was inclusive, ensure that people were allowed to express their opinions and ideas, ensure that people have a purpose as to why they are doing what they are doing.”
Tanzania’s Bright Future
Looking ahead, Mahiga envisions Tanzania as a powerhouse economy in East Africa within the next 10 to 15 years. “We have the potential to become a transport and logistics hub for East and Southern Africa,” he says. However, he stresses the importance of preparing the country’s workforce and institutions to seize these opportunities.
He is particularly optimistic about Tanzania’s offshore Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) project and critical minerals potential. “We have the natural resource that can help us become a crucial player in the world’s clean energy transition journey,” Mahiga asserts. “I think the value of that project will have a tremendous trickle-down impact on our economy.”
Tanzania discovered significant offshore natural gas reserves in 2010, reaching 57 trillion cubic feet by 2016. A $42 billion project, set for pre-FID in 2025, aims to unlock these resources, producing at least 10 million tons annually for export, with 10% allocated for domestic use.
Andrew Mahiga’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and relationship-building. As he continues to champion Tanzania’s economic growth, his story serves as an inspiration for those who dare to dream and work relentlessly to bring their visions to life. For Mahiga, the future isn’t just a destination; it’s a canvas for innovation and impact.