This is a list of the past and present presidents of Tanzania. Tanzania has had six presidents since it became a republic in 1964.
The first president was Julius Nyerere, who served from 1964 to 1985. He was followed by Ali Hassan Mwinyi (1985-1995), Benjamin Mkapa (1995-2005), and Jakaya Kikwete (2005-2015).
The fifth president, John Magufuli, held office from 2015 until he died in 2021. After him, Samia Suluhu Hassan became the first female president and is currently in office. Each president has come from the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
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Here’s a comprehensive list of all the Tanzania presidents since they gained independence:
No | Name | Tenure | Political Party | Vice Presidents |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Julius Nyerere | 1 Nov 1964 - 5 Nov 1985 | TANU/CCM | First Vice President |
Abeid Amani Karume |
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Aboud Jumbe |
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Ali Hassan Mwinyi |
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Second Vice President |
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Rashidi Kawawa |
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2 | Ali Hassan Mwinyi | 5 Nov 1985 - 23 Nov 1995 | CCM | First Vice President |
Joseph Warioba, |
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John Malecela, |
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Cleopa Msuya |
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Second Vice President |
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Idris Abdul Wakil, |
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Salmin Amour |
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3 | Benjamin Mkapa | 23 Nov 1995 - 21 Dec 2005 | CCM | Omar Ali Juma, |
Ali Mohamed Shein |
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4 | Jakaya Kikwete | 21 Dec 2005 - 5 Nov 2015 | CCM | Ali Mohamed Shein, |
Mohamed Gharib Bilal |
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5 | John Magufuli | 5 Nov 2015 - 17 Mar 2021 | CCM | Samia Suluhu |
6 | Samia Suluhu Hassan | 19 Mar 2021 - Present | CCM | Philip Mpango |
Who Was The First President Of Tanzania?
The first President of Tanzania was Julius Nyerere. He became president after the political union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964, forming the United Republic of Tanzania.
Before this union, Nyerere had already been a popular figure in Tanganyika’s independence movement. It served as its Prime Minister and later President after the country gained independence from British colonial rule in 1961.
Nyerere was influenced by Pan-Africanist ideals, emphasizing the unity of African nations and peoples. This belief played a part in the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, which was seen as a step toward greater African unity.
While some commentators suggested that Cold War politics influenced the union, Nyerere presented it as a purely Pan-Africanist decision.
He dismissed notions that the union was connected to the global rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Under Nyerere’s leadership, Tanzania adopted socialism as its guiding principle through the Arusha Declaration of 1967.
This policy stressed self-reliance, equality, and the development of rural agriculture as the foundation of the economy.
Despite challenges such as rapid population growth, limited resources, and strained relationships with Western powers, Nyerere remained committed to his ideals.
He established Tanzania as a strong supporter of liberation movements in southern Africa and a critic of colonialism and apartheid.
His government maintained warm relations with countries like China, which supported Tanzania’s development projects, including the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway. Nyerere voluntarily stepped down in 1985, becoming one of the few African leaders of his time to do so.
Who Is The Current President Of Tanzania?
The current President of Tanzania is Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has held the position since March 19, 2021. She became the first woman to serve as President of Tanzania after the passing of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
Samia Suluhu Hassan was the Vice President from 2015 to 2021, serving alongside Magufuli. President Suluhu is known for her collaborative leadership style and efforts to rebuild democratic practices in Tanzania.
She reversed some of Magufuli’s restrictive policies, such as lifting bans on political rallies and reopening newspapers that had been closed.
Her government has also released political prisoners and engaged with opposition leaders to create a more inclusive political environment.
These moves have gained her recognition as a leader working towards unity and progress in her country. Born on January 27, 1960, in Zanzibar, Suluhu’s early political career included roles as Minister of Tourism, Trade, and Investment and Member of Parliament for Makunduchi.
She later served as Minister of State for Union Affairs from 2010 to 2015. Since becoming president, she has prioritized infrastructure projects, including building railways, improving rural electricity access, and expanding clean water availability.
She has also taken notable steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing vaccines and safety measures, which her predecessor had dismissed.
While she has focused on modernizing Tanzania and improving its global image, some challenges remain. Critics point to her cautious approach to constitutional reforms and ongoing concerns about the treatment of opposition figures.
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Who Is The Vice President Of Tanzania?
Philip Isdor Mpango is the Vice President of Tanzania, and he has been in the office since March 31, 2021. He was nominated by President Samia Suluhu, following her assumption of the presidency.
Born on July 14, 1957, in Kigoma Region, Tanzania, Mpango pursued his education in economics at the University of Dar es Salaam, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Arts, and a Ph.D. in the field.
Mpango had worked in different high-profile roles before becoming a politician, including as the acting commissioner general of the Tanzania Revenue Authority, executive secretary in the President’s Office (Planning Commission), and as a senior economist at the World Bank.
He also served as a deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and provided direct economic advice to Tanzania’s president.
In December 2015, then-President John Magufuli appointed Mpango as the Minister of Finance and Planning, a role he held until March 2021.
During his tenure, Mpango was credited with boosting economic growth, achieving a consistent 6-7% increase in Tanzania’s GDP. His leadership was essential during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
