DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is in mourning following the death of Lawrence Mafuru, a wellrespected figure known for his contributions to various sectors in the country.
Mafuru, passed away on November 9th, this year at Apollo Hospital in India where he was hospitalised.
The late Mafuru will be remembered for his significant impact in the banking industry before his appointment to the public sector, where he was regarded as a dedicated and influential leader.
TANZANIA is in mourning following the death of Lawrence Mafuru, a well-respected figure known for his contributions to various sectors in the country. Mafuru, passed away on November 9th, this year at Apollo Hospital in India where he was hospitalised.
The late Mafuru will be remembered for his significant impact in the banking industry before his appointment to the public sector, where he was regarded as a dedicated and influential leader. The news of his passing has been met with deep sorrow from individuals and organisations across the nation.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends and members of the public, who remember Mafuru for his integrity, vision and tireless efforts to improve the lives of Tanzanians.
Mafuru’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations and his loss is felt deeply by all who knew him and benefited from his work.
The essence of Lawrence Mafuru: Character and values
The late Mafuru, born on June 20, 1972, was a man of integrity, strength and unwavering dedication to family, community and country.
Known for his compassionate leadership, he was a mentor and a friend to many. He created spaces where others felt valued, fostering trust and providing guidance that impacted those around him. With a warm demeanour and remarkable negotiation skills, Mafuru was a faithful ally to his community.
His devotion extended into his personal life, where he was a passionate supporter of Young Africans and Arsenal, embodying his deep connection to his roots and his love for the community.
Family and personal life
Mafuru was a loving, dedicated and committed husband to his wife, Noela and a proud father to his two beautiful daughters, Lorraine and Lorna.
His life reflected his deep care for family, siblings, parents and relatives, a quality that inspired many to follow his example.
Mafuru’s dedication to family was woven into every part of his life, balancing his responsibilities with a sincere love and devotion to those closest to him. His life, both personal and professional, touched countless lives and left a legacy of love, inspiration and care.
Faith-driven life and service to the Church
Mafuru’s faith as a Seventh-day Adventist was central to his character, shaping his values and actions.
As a devoted member of the SDA Church at Magomeni, he served in numerous roles that reflected his commitment to his faith community.
From 1998 to the 2000s, he served as the church’s treasurer, overseeing finances honestly and diligently. He was also a member of the SDA Southern Diocese’s Income Generating Project Committee (Endowment Fund).
This role demonstrated his dedication to supporting the church’s growth and sustainability. Mafuru’s service included roles as deacon, church elder and, in 2017, a proud sponsor of the church choir.
Additionally, he was an active Church Development Project Committee member, guiding initiatives that enriched the church and its members.
His deep commitment to his faith and church inspired those around him to lead lives grounded in faith, integrity and generosity.
A distinguished career and far-reaching influence
The late Mafuru’s career journey was defined by his visionary leadership and impactful contributions across various sectors. Beginning his professional life in 1998 as a clerk at Standard Chartered Tanzania, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his attention to detail and dedication.
By 2000, he became a Corporate Service Officer, managing complex transactions and in 2001, he established SCBT’s Cash Management Unit, setting new industry standards. His roles as Business Development Manager and later Head of Sales for Treasury products allowed him to hone his strategic skills, transforming the bank’s services and client relationships.
In 2010, the late Mafuru reached a pinnacle in his career by becoming Chief Executive Officer of NBC Bank. There, he guided the bank’s strategic growth and ensured regulatory alignment, playing a vital role in positioning NBC as a leader in Tanzania’s financial sector.
His influence expanded beyond NBC as he led the Tanzania Bankers Association as Chairman, championing governance and fostering collaboration across the industry.
Exactly seven years ago in November 2017, Mafuru, together with his three other partners started their own private transaction advisory firm Bankable. Free from public service here he exerted his energy and focus in the formative years creating a solid foundation for the entity working with local and multinational corporates in Tanzania and in the region.
This venture not only showcased Mafuru’s entrepreneurial spirit but also his unwavering commitment to advancing Tanzania’s financial sector.
Dedication to public service The late Mafuru’s expertise was sought in multiple government roles, where he made significant contributions to Tanzania’s economic and policy landscape.
The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) trusted him with the responsibility of Statutory Manager for FBME Bank under liquidation, a testament to his trusted expertise in managing complex financial institutions.
He served as the Leader of Resources Mobilisation for the Big Results Now (BRN) initiative and as Director of Resources Mobilisation and Economic Sectors Division under the President’s Delivery Bureau, where he coordinated funding for critical national projects.
Mafuru’s dedication continued as Treasury Registrar (TR) under the then Ministry of Finance and Planning, where he managed government investments in public corporations and then as Commissioner of Policy Analysis.
His role as Deputy Permanent Secretary for Economic Management Policies allowed him to shape vital economic policies, ultimately culminating in his position as Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission, where he spearheaded the development of Tanzania’s Vision 2050.
In addition to his career achievements, Mafuru served on multiple boards, where he left an indelible mark. His roles included: Board Member of CRDB Bank – Contributing to governance and strategic oversight for Tanzania’s banking landscape.
• Trustee of the Benjamin Mkapa Foundation – Supporting healthcare initiatives and governance in Tanzania. • Board Member of Financial Sector Deepening Trust (FSDT) – Applying his visionary approach to expand financial access.
• Board Member of TANESCO – Offering insights into governance and strategic growth in Tanzania’s energy sector. • Board Member of Tanzania Investment Centre – Participating in strategic direction and oversight for national investment efforts.
• Chairman of the Tanzania Bankers Association – Leading the banking sector toward collaboration and higher standards.
• Board Member of the Bank of Tanzania – Contributing to the central bank’s governance and financial stability initiatives.
A visionary leader and advocate for national security
The late Mafuru’s passion for his work was matched only by his commitment to his country.
He lived beyond himself, always considering the future of Tanzania and its people. His influence extended to matters of national security and he advocated for a vigilant and informed public.
In one of his memorable tweets on X, he stated, “The catalogue of threats for national security is constantly growing in diversity and intensity as well as unpredictability of the scale and consequences of their occurrence… it is the responsibility of each Tanzanian at all levels to be vigilant and alert to all threats.”
This statement reflected Mafuru’s dedication to the well-being and security of his country, a commitment that underpinned his every action.
A legacy of vision, nature and unyielding principles beyond his professional accomplishments Mafuru had a profound love for nature, finding solace and inspiration in its beauty. He was a lifelong learner with a sharp instinct for identifying and capitalising on opportunities.
Known for his calculated risk-taking and principled approach to leadership, Mafuru believed in inclusivity and mentorship, nurturing talent wherever he went.
As Chairman of the Tanzania Bankers Association, he championed collaboration between banks and mobile network operators, expanding access to financial services across Tanzania.
His visionary leadership on the board of FSDT further transformed the financial landscape, establishing a foundation for the financial sector’s future success.
Mafuru’s legacy lives on not only in the institutions he shaped but in the countless lives he touched and inspired.
His name will forever be associated with the story of Tanzania’s financial transformation and the values of a man who lived with purpose, love and unyielding dedication.
