Samia Suluhu: Who is Tanzania’s first elected female president?

Tanzania has made history after Samia Suluhu Hassan was officially declared the country’s first elected female president on Saturday, November 1, 2025, following a landslide victory that handed her nearly 98 per cent of the vote.

The announcement marked a major milestone, making her the first woman to win the presidency through a general election in the nation’s history.

Early life and rise

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Born on January 27, 1960, in Zanzibar, Suluhu’s story is one of resilience and determination. She was raised by a schoolteacher father and a homemaker mother during the 1964 union that created modern Tanzania.

Her journey began modestly in 1977 as a clerical officer before she earned an advanced diploma in public administration from Mzumbe University in 1986.

She later pursued a postgraduate diploma in economics from the University of Manchester and an MSc in Community Economic Development in 2015.

Suluhu worked with the World Food Programme and later with the Zanzibar government, overseeing development and NGO initiatives.

Her political breakthrough came in 2000 when the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party nominated her to the Zanzibar House of Representatives. As Minister for Youth, Employment, Women, and Children, she became known for progressive reforms, including policies that allowed young mothers to resume their education.

Her leadership style, marked by empathy and inclusion, quickly earned her respect across gender and political lines.

Trail to the presidency

Reappointed in 2005, she later served as Minister of Tourism, Trade, and Investment, driving Zanzibar’s economic growth through tourism promotion.

In 2010, she joined Tanzania’s National Assembly as the elected MP for Makunduchi and was appointed Minister of State for Union Affairs under President Jakaya Kikwete.

Her national prominence grew further in 2015 when she was chosen as Vice President alongside President John Magufuli, a historic appointment that bridged Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.

After Magufuli’s sudden death on March 19, 2021, Suluhu ascended to the presidency, becoming Tanzania’s first female head of state.

Her calm and unifying leadership style earned her the affectionate nickname “Mama Samia” among citizens. She opened up civic space, encouraged dialogue, and strengthened international partnerships, marking a new chapter of continuity and reform.

Under her administration, Tanzania invested heavily in infrastructure, tourism, and renewable energy, while also working to empower women and young people.

Her leadership and diplomacy earned her a place in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2022.

Away from politics, President Suluhu is known for her humility and strong family values. She has been married since 1978 to Hafidh Ameir, a quiet agricultural expert, and together they have four children, including their daughter Wanu, who serves as a Member of Parliament in Zanzibar.

However, Suluhu’s triumph has been clouded by fierce controversy, with opposition parties accusing the government of silencing dissent, disqualifying rivals, and overseeing violent protests that have rocked the East African nation.