Tanzanian president John Magufuli on Thursday named veteran diplomat and former UN envoy to Somalia Augustine Mahiga as foreign minister, promising a “lean” cabinet amid an austerity drive.

Magufuli, who took power last month after winning October 25 elections, said he was aiming for a cabinet of 19 minsters.

“We are going to have a new lean cabinet,” he told reporters.

Minster of Defence Hussein Mwinyi retains his post, while four ministries including finance and tourism are yet to be filled.