Tanzania’s Vice President Nchimbi resigns

Tanzania’s Vice President, Emmanuel Nchimbi, has resigned from office and announced his retirement from active politics and public service, less than a year after assuming the country’s second-highest political position.

Nchimbi formally submitted his resignation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, according to a notice issued by the Office of the Vice President in Dodoma. His resignation will take effect on September 4.

The 54-year-old said his decision was based on a commitment he made to Hassan in August 2025 to step aside whenever she considered it necessary to have another vice president.

Nchimbi said he had become convinced that the president wanted a change and therefore chose to honour the commitment.

He thanked Hassan and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for the confidence placed in him, as well as Tanzanians for their support throughout his years in public service.

He also said his retirement would not end his commitment to the country, assuring Tanzanians that he would remain a “good citizen of Tanzania.”

Nchimbi’s resignation is unusual in Tanzania’s political history, making him the first vice president to voluntarily leave the position while still in office.

Political uncertainty surrounds resignation

The announcement has fuelled speculation about the relationship between Nchimbi and Hassan, particularly amid recent reports of differences between the two political figures.

However, Nchimbi’s official explanation focused on his earlier undertaking to leave office whenever the president desired a change in the vice presidency.

His resignation also means President Hassan will be able to appoint a replacement under Tanzania’s constitutional provisions governing the vacancy of the vice-presidential office.

Nchimbi became vice president after serving as Hassan’s running mate in the 2025 presidential election. He assumed office on November 3, 2025, succeeding Philip Mpango.

Before his elevation to the vice presidency, Nchimbi held several senior positions in Tanzania’s government and ruling party.

He previously served as CCM Secretary-General and held ministerial positions, including Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Information. He also represented Tanzania diplomatically as ambassador to Brazil and Egypt.

His departure now opens another significant political appointment for Hassan as she reshapes her administration less than a year into her new term.