H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan (aka Mama Samia) took office as the 6th President of the country on 19th March 2021, after the sudden death of John Magufuli, the previous president, two days earlier.
Prior to her appointment, she was the 10th Vice President of Tanzania from 5th November 2015.
She is the first-ever female President and Vice President of Tanzania.
Early Life, Education, and Career
Samia Suluhu Hassan was born on 27 January 1960 in Zanzibar-part of the United Republic of Tanzania since 196a-when it was still a sultanate.
After graduating from high school in 1977, she was employed by the Ministry of Planning and Development as a clerk.
From 1983 to 1986, she studied for and obtained a Diploma in Public Administration from the Institute of Development Management (present-day Mzumbe University).
Upon graduation, she was employed as a Project Manager for the World Food Program (WFP).
She earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Economics at the University of Manchester in 1994.
In 2000 she entered politics joining the CCM party. The same year she was appointed Minister for Youth Employment, Women and Children Development (2000 – 2005) for the Zanzibar Government.
In 2005, she was appointed Minister for Tourism, Trade, and Investment. She held the charge until 2010.
In 2015, she obtained an MSc in Community Economic Development via a joint program between the Open University of Tanzania and the Southern New Hampshire University.
In 2010, she was appointed Minister of State for Union Affairs, a position that she held until 2015.
The same year, CCM’s presidential nominee John Magufuli chose her as his running mate for the elections taking place that year and subsequently became the first female vice-president in the history of Tanzania.
Both Magufuli and Suluhu were re-elected for a second five-year term on 28 October 2020.
Two days after the sudden death of President Magufuli, she was appointed as the 6th President of the country.
According to the Tanzanian constitution, she should serve the remainder of Magufuli’s five-year term which began in November 2020.
Tanzania's President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has unveiled her new cabinet with 27 ministries, 27 ministers, and 29 deputy ministers following the nomination of Mwigulu Nchemba as Prime Minister. Seven former ministers were replaced while retaining their parliamentary seats
President Samia Suluhu Hassan delivered the speech in Dodoma on 14 November 2025 when opening the 13th Parliament, outlining plans to lift GDP growth from 5.6% to above 7% by 2030, double power generation to 8,000 MW, and expand irrigation to 5 million acres. She detailed reforms to improve the tax system, business environment, and mineral licensing, new industrial zones, a critical-minerals strategy, and major investments in SGR, ports, airports, water, and energy infrastructure.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan was inaugurated in Dodoma on 3 November 2025 for her second term after winning 97.66% of the vote. In her speech, she urged Tanzanians to embrace unity and peace, reaffirmed the 4R philosophy, and said her government’s detailed priorities for the next five years will be presented in the inaugural address to the 13th Parliament.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured 97.66% of the vote in Tanzania’s 2025 general election, according to the Electoral Commission, amid widespread unrest. Violent protests, military deployment, and a nationwide internet blackout have made independent verification of reports nearly impossible.
President Samia launched the Kwala Dry Port and SGR electric freight services on 31 July 2025 to reduce logistics costs, decongest Dar es Salaam Port, and strengthen Tanzania’s role as a regional trade hub. The project includes a 1,000-hectare industrial park expected to create over 200,000 jobs and improve trade connectivity for land-linked countries.
President Samia launched Tanzania Vision 2050, which aims to make Tanzania a high-income country with a USD 1 trillion economy, top 3 rank in Africa for investment and ease of doing business, 90% electricity access, and universal clean water. The Vision will be implemented through investment in manufacturing, agriculture, services, mining, tourism, and construction, led by private sector growth, improved business climate, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and inclusive participation of women, youth, and people with disabilities.
President Samia launched the ITRACOM Fertilizers plant in Dodoma on 28 June 2025. With a 1M tonnes annual capacity and 3,000 jobs planned, the plant will reduce fertilizer imports, boost agricultural productivity, and enhance Burundi–Tanzania economic ties.
In her 2025 government performance speech to Parliament, President Samia outlined key initiatives to be implemented, including the launch of Vision 2050, completion of major infrastructure, and the introduction of a Startup Policy. She also highlighted ongoing national projects such as the Kidunda Dam to ensure water security and efforts to support youth innovation and long-term economic development.
On 19 June 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge, officially the John Pombe Magufuli Bridge, now the longest in East Africa.
The new bridge spans Lake Victoria, connects Tanzania with regional markets, and marks a milestone for national infrastructure and trade.
The Government of Tanzania has launched cotton factories in Simiyu Region with 12,000t storage and 500t/day capacity, and allocated TZS 8B in subsidies to support farmers. The investment is part of a broader plan to expand value addition and improve farmer incomes.
June 20, 2025
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