Samia Suluhu Hassan became the first female President of Tanzania after the untimely demise of her predecessor, John Magufuli, in March 2021.
Stepping into the highest office in the country, President Samia carried with her a wealth of experience and a deep dedication to public service, which earned her a place in Forbes among the 100 most influential women in the world.
She was born on January 27, 1960, in the semi-autonomous Zanzibar region of Tanzania and grew up in a modest family, where her passion for Education led her to pursue a degree in Public Administration at the Institute of Development Management in Tanzania and a postgraduate diploma in Economics at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
Political career
Samia’s Political career began in the early 2000s, when she represented Makunduchi constituency as a member of parliament. Her dedication and effectiveness in serving her people earned her a ministerial post in the vice President’s office for union Affairs in 2010. She was later appointed Minister of Tourism and Trade in 2014, where she showcased her ability to handle diverse portfolios and contribute to Tanzania’s development.
Her dedication to inclusivity and unity distinguishes her leadership style; she emphasises the significance of bringing together various factions and fostering a collaborative environment to address the challenges Tanzania is facing.
Samia’s empathetic approach and ability to listen to different perspectives have earned her respect and support from both domestic and international stakeholders.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, she championed a more transparent and science-based strategy unlike her predecessor’s by promoting vaccine distribution and advocating for public health measures like wearing masks and practising social distancing, which garnered her praise internationally but also helped improve Tanzania’s relations with the international community.
Her most noteworthy efforts are her efforts to improve relationships between Tanzania and her neighbouring countries; she has engaged in diplomatic discussions with leaders around the region and furthered economic ties with Uganda.
Her leadership has strengthened Tanzania’s and the region’s security, trade, infrastructure, and development through her diplomatic approach, promoting regional stability and cooperation.
President Samia’s rise to power signifies a new chapter in not only Tanzania’s political landscape but Africa as a whole and a positive encouragement to women that Africa with more women leaders’ is possible.
