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Who is Tanzania's president?
Samia Suluhu Hassan – a historic leader, reformer, and advocate for tourism and unity
Since 19 March 2021, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania has been Samia Suluhu Hassan – the first woman to hold the office in the country’s history. She succeeded John Magufuli after his sudden death and has since steered the nation toward economic recovery, democratic openness, and a renewed focus on tourism. This article chronicles her journey, her policies, and why she matters to travellers visiting Tanzania.
Early life and political rise
Samia Suluhu was born on 27 January 1960 in Makunduchi, Zanzibar. She studied economics and worked in development projects before entering politics. She served as a member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives and later became a Member of Parliament for the Makunduchi constituency. In 2010, she was appointed Minister of Tourism, Trade, and Investment in Zanzibar – a role that gave her deep insight into the tourism industry, which remains Tanzania’s largest foreign exchange earner.
In 2015, President John Magufuli chose her as his running mate, and she became the first female Vice‑President of Tanzania. At the time, many wondered why she was selected; her quiet, measured style contrasted with Magufuli’s brashness. But history would prove that her pragmatism and diplomacy were exactly what Tanzania needed when the presidency unexpectedly fell to her.
Key policies and achievements
- Reopening the economy – In contrast to Magufuli’s COVID‑19 denialism, Samia formed a committee to manage the pandemic and reopened borders, reviving tourism that had collapsed.
- Economic diplomacy – She visited the US, UAE, China, and other nations to attract investment, resulting in billions of dollars in deals.
- Press freedom – Her administration lifted bans on several newspapers and allowed more critical coverage, earning praise from human rights groups.
- Empowering women – She increased women’s representation in cabinet and launched initiatives to support female entrepreneurs.
- Environmental conservation – She championed the “Royal Tour” documentary with American influencer, showcasing Tanzania’s wildlife and attracting millions of new visitors.
- Infrastructure projects – Continued the Standard Gauge Railway, upgraded ports, and expanded rural electrification.
Her impact on tourism – why it matters for visitors
President Samia recognises that tourism is Tanzania’s economic lifeline. Under her leadership:
- Visa‑on‑arrival was simplified for many nationalities, and e‑visa processing sped up.
- “The Royal Tour” documentary (2022) featured her personally guiding the host through Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Kilimanjaro – a powerful marketing tool that boosted post‑COVID arrivals.
- Mountain etiquette – She insisted on better porter treatment on Kilimanjaro and increased support for KPAP (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project).
- Investment in national parks – New lodges, runway upgrades, and anti‑poaching technology have improved visitor experiences.
Challenges and public perception
Despite her successes, critics point to continued restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, slow progress on constitutional reform, and occasional crackdowns on political opposition. However, her approval ratings remain high (over 70% in 2024 polls), especially among young Tanzanians and the business community. Internationally, she is seen as a stabilising force in a volatile region.
Timeline of Tanzanian presidents
- 1964‑1985 – Julius Nyerere (first president, “Father of the Nation”)
- 1985‑1995 – Ali Hassan Mwinyi (economic liberalisation)
- 1995‑2005 – Benjamin Mkapa (privatisation, anti‑corruption)
- 2005‑2015 – Jakaya Kikwete (infrastructure, peacekeeping)
- 2015‑2021 – John Magufuli (“Bulldozer”, anti‑corruption, COVID denial)
- 2021‑present – Samia Suluhu Hassan (reformer, tourism champion)