TB Joshua arrived in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday and was immediately welcomed by the three most prominent men in the country: Magufuli, outgoing president Jakaya Kikwete and the head of the opposition and former prime minister, Edward Lowassa
Nigerian websites are reporting that Magufuli has a long history with Joshua, having travelled to his church, the Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) in Lagos, in 2011.
It was Joshua who encouraged his presidential ambitions.
It was Joshua who encouraged his presidential ambitions.
Lowassa himself is a supporter, having visited the church in 2012.
Joshua is considered controversial in South Africa following the collapse of a guesthouse at his church in 2014, when 85 South Africans were killed.
While it has been speculated that the collapse was caused by shoddy building work - a Nigerian coroner has ruled the church be investigated for failing to seek approval to erect the building – the church has blamed a mysterious plane flying in the vicinity.
South African president Jacob Zuma, meanwhile, has arrived in Tanzania for the inauguration.