Edward Ngoyai Lowassa (26 August 1953 – 10 February 2024) was a Tanzanian politician who was Prime Minister of Tanzania[2] from 2005 to 2008, serving under President Jakaya Kikwete.

He retained his parliamentary seat and became a strong backbencher in Parliament until 1997 when he was appointed Minister for State in the Vice President's Office for Environment and Poverty.

The five-member select committee, headed by Kyela MP, Dr. Harrison Mwakyembe, found the contract to have been fraudulently concluded, hence unconscionable.

[citation needed] Lowassa's office then influenced the government's decision to extend Richmond's contract despite advice to the contrary from TANESCO.

Two other cabinet ministers who had held the energy portfolio, Dr. Ibrahim Msabaha and Nazir Karamagi were forced to resign as well.

[9][10] Lowassa however denied that his office was involved in improperly awarding a contract to US-based electricity company Richmond Development in 2006.

[12] In 2014, Lowassa faced a one-year ban from CCM after he was accused of starting his campaign for presidency ahead of the authorized time.

He stated that his top priorities would be overhauling the country's education sector, reducing poverty, boosting economic growth and fighting corruption.

CCM shortlisted January Makamba, Bernard Membe, Asha-Rose Migiro, John Magufuli and Amina Salum Ali for the National Executive Committee (NEC) vote of 378 members.

[14] Having failed to get the nomination, Lowassa denounced the CCM as "infested with leaders who are dictators, undemocratic and surrounded with greedy power mongers."