Tanzania’s Vice President Nchimbi resigns

Tanzania’s Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has resigned from office and announced his retirement from public service and active politics, effective 4 September 2026, ending a political tenure that lasted less than a year.

Nchimbi announced his decision today, saying he had formally submitted his resignation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

He said the decision was based on a commitment he made to Hassan before taking office, when he pledged to serve her and the country faithfully and to step aside if she believed a change in the vice presidency was necessary.

Nchimbi said he had become convinced that Hassan wanted a change in the position and that he had therefore decided to honour the commitment he made before assuming office.

“I have become convinced, without doubt, that Her Excellency the President wants change, so I have decided to fulfil my promise,” he said.

His announcement comes amid a major political development in Tanzania’s leadership, although he did not publicly provide further details about what prompted the president to seek a change in the vice presidency.

Nchimbi said his resignation would take effect in accordance with Articles 50(2)(c) and 149(2) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Nchimbi’s resignation comes 295 days after he was sworn in as vice president on Nov. 3, 2025, at Chamwino State House in Dodoma.

He assumed the country’s second-highest political office after Hassan won the 29 October 2025, general election, in which Nchimbi served as her running mate.

His appointment placed him at the centre of the government’s executive leadership and followed his long involvement in Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, commonly known as CCM.

The vice presidency is a key position in Tanzania’s executive structure, with the holder working closely with the president on national government affairs and representing the administration on various matters.

In announcing his departure, Nchimbi thanked Hassan and CCM for the confidence they had placed in him.

He also expressed appreciation to Tanzanians for their cooperation and support throughout his years of public service.

His departure marks a significant change in Tanzania’s political leadership, particularly because of his previous role as CCM secretary-general.

Nchimbi has held several senior responsibilities during his political career and has been a prominent figure within the ruling party.

His decision to leave active politics means he will no longer participate in party politics or hold public office after the effective date of his resignation.

Pledge of service

Despite his decision to retire from public service and active politics, Nchimbi said he would continue to serve Tanzania in other capacities.

He described himself as a patriotic citizen and indicated that his departure from formal political life would not end his commitment to the country.

The resignation now leaves the government with the task of determining who will take over the vice presidency and work alongside Hassan for the remainder of the administration’s term.

The change comes as Tanzania continues to implement its national development agenda under Hassan’s leadership following the 2025 general election.

For Nchimbi, the resignation closes a brief but significant chapter in a political career that has included senior positions within both the government and CCM.

His decision to voluntarily step aside, he said, was guided by a promise made before entering the vice presidency and a belief that the president wanted a different person in the role.

Nchimbi will formally leave office on Sept. 4, after which he says he intends to remain available to contribute to Tanzania outside active politics and public service.