James Alex Msekela

James Alex Msekela (born 3 September 1959) is a Tanzanian politician and diplomat.

He was Tanzania's ambassador to Italy, having been appointed by President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and sworn in on 5 January 2012.

Early life and education In his early life Msekela grew up in Tabora District and later on in Nzega District, Ijanija ward, where he finished his primary education in 1973 at the Tazengwa Primary School. From 1974 he attended Tanga Technical Secondary School, graduating in 1977, and went on to Dar es Salaam Technical College where he received his Full Technician Certificate in 1981. He joined the CCM as a youth member in 1980, and a full member in 1982. After graduation he briefly worked with The Tanzania Cashewnut Authority before he went to Mafinga to do his compulsory one-year National Service. In mid 1982 he got employed at the University of Dar es Salaam as a technician.

In mid 1983 he received a scholarship to Leningrad State Technical University in the U.S.S.R. where in 1990 he received his Master's of science in Engineering. which job he held until February 2009 when he was appointed Regional Commissioner for the Dodoma Region where he served until October 2011. Msekela did not run again for parliament in the 2010 elections. From Dodoma he went on to become the Ambassador to Italy for four years starting from early 2012.