Samia Suluhu Hassan is a historic political figure in Tanzania and across Africa: a consensus-building, pragmatic leader who became the country’s sixth president in March 2021.

Her rise from local government roles in Zanzibar to the highest office in the United Republic of Tanzania marked several firsts — not least being Tanzania’s first female president — and signaled shifts in the country’s domestic and international posture.

Facts

• Full Name: Samia Suluhu Hassan
• Born: January 27, 1960
• Age: 65 years (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Makunduchi, Zanzibar
• Nationality: Tanzanian
• Occupation: Politician, President of Tanzania
• Religion: Islam
• Spouse: Hafidh Ameir
• Children: 4
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Estimated around $2 million (as of 2025)

Early life and education

Samia Suluhu Hassan was born on 27 January 1960 in Makunduchi on the island of Zanzibar, shortly before Zanzibar merged with Tanganyika to form Tanzania. She was raised in a family with a teacher father and completed her secondary education in the 1970s. Over the next decades she pursued part-time and formal studies in public administration and economics, earning an advanced diploma from the Institute of Development Management (now Mzumbe University), a postgraduate diploma in economics from the University of Manchester, and later an MSc in Community Economic Development (a joint programme involving the Open University of Tanzania).

Political career — from Zanzibar to the Union government

Samia’s political career began in Zanzibar’s regional administration where she worked as a development officer and later held ministerial responsibilities in the semi-autonomous Zanzibar government. She moved into national politics in the 2000s, serving as Tanzania’s Minister of Tourism, Trade and Investment for Zanzibar and later as a Member of Parliament for Makunduchi (2010–2015). In 2015 she was chosen as running mate to John Magufuli on the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) ticket and became Vice-President of Tanzania, serving in that role from 2015 until 2021.

Becoming President — constitutional succession and a historic first

On 19 March 2021, following the sudden death of President John Magufuli, Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in as the sixth President of Tanzania, constitutionally succeeding the late president. Her swearing-in made international headlines: she is the first woman to hold Tanzania’s presidency and one of the few female heads of state in Africa at the time. Her accession was widely described as a peaceful constitutional transition.

Leadership style and policy priorities

Samia Suluhu is frequently described as soft-spoken, pragmatic and consensus-oriented. Since taking office she has overseen a reorientation of some government priorities, particularly in these areas:

• Public health and COVID-19 response: Her administration reversed earlier policies of non-reporting and engaged international health bodies; Tanzania resumed reporting COVID-19 data and launched a national vaccination program in mid-2021.
• Diplomacy and regional relations: President Suluhu pursued warmer ties with international partners and emphasized constructive regional diplomacy.
• Economic management: Her government has focused on stabilizing investor confidence, improving tourism recovery (important to Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania), and promoting public sector reforms.

Achievements and milestones

• First female president of Tanzania — a major symbolic milestone for gender representation in Tanzanian and East African politics.
• Public health pivot — reengagement with the World Health Organization and rollout of vaccination campaigns after earlier tensions over COVID-19 policy.
• Continued political stability — overseeing a constitutional transition and maintaining CCM governance while balancing calls for greater political space from opposition groups.

Controversies and challenges

Samia Suluhu’s presidency has not been without criticism. Observers and opposition figures point to lingering issues such as restrictions on political space and the broader context of Tanzania’s political climate. Her administration has been praised for some conciliatory acts — including attending opposition events and reversing select restrictions — yet critics argue more substantive reforms are needed on civil liberties and press freedoms.

Personal life

Samia Suluhu is married to Hafidh Ameir. The couple has four children; one of her children has served in regional government in Zanzibar. Samia’s background in community development and government administration informs her practical approach to policymaking and public engagement.

Legacy and what to watch next

As of the latest coverage, Samia Suluhu continues to consolidate her leadership and balance reformist instincts with political realities. Analysts suggest her legacy will be judged on whether she can institutionalize transparency in public health, maintain economic recovery (especially tourism and investment), and expand democratic space while delivering tangible development outcomes for Tanzanians across the union. Watch for developments in electoral politics, regional diplomacy, and policy outcomes in health and economic growth as indicators of her long-term impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When was Samia Suluhu born?

She was born on January 27, 1960, in Makunduchi, Zanzibar.

When did she become President of Tanzania?

Samia Suluhu assumed the presidency on March 19, 2021, following the death of President John Magufuli.

Is she the first female president of Tanzania?

Yes — she is Tanzania’s first female head of state.

What were some immediate policy changes under her presidency?

Her administration reengaged with international health bodies, resumed COVID-19 data reporting, launched vaccination programs, and took steps to improve diplomatic relations and investor confidence.

What is her political party?

She is a member of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Tanzania’s longstanding ruling party.

Conclusion

Samia Suluhu Hassan’s journey from Makunduchi to the State House is a landmark story in Tanzania’s post-independence history. As the country’s first female president, her pragmatic, consultative leadership has steered Tanzania toward more open engagement on issues such as public health and regional diplomacy. Her legacy will ultimately depend on whether she can convert symbolic breakthroughs into lasting policy gains — improved health outcomes, stronger institutions, and inclusive economic growth. For observers and citizens alike, the Suluhu presidency remains an important case study in leadership, transition, and the evolving politics of East Africa.