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.
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.
In FY 2024/2025, Tanzania collected a record TZS 1.028 trillion in dividends and contributions from state-owned enterprises, a 68% increase from 2024. Dividend Day 2025 highlighted top-performing entities across banking, energy, ports, and other key sectors.
On 20 May 2025, President Samia launched Tanzania’s new foreign policy 2024. The revised edition prioritizes economic diplomacy, diaspora inclusion, climate diplomacy, blue economy, and Kiswahili promotion, replacing the 2001 framework.
On 8 May 2025, Tanzania and Mozambique agreed to establish a Joint Economic Commission to enhance trade, investment, and cooperation across key sectors including agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. The agreement was reached during bilateral talks between Presidents Samia Suluhu Hassan and Daniel Chapo in Dar es Salaam.
On 1 May 2025, President Samia announced a 35.1% increase in the minimum wage for public servants, raising it from TZS 370,000 to TZS 500,000. The change takes effect in July 2025 and reflects the country’s improved economic growth.
May 2, 2025
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