Samia Suluhu names new cabinet amid Tanzania’s political tensions
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 17, 2025Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced a new Cabinet, appointing 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers across 27 ministries. The changes, unveiled at a press conference on November 17, 2025, follow a contested general election and aim to consolidate her administration.
The Cabinet reflects a mix of continuity and renewal, with 17 members from the previous government retained. Eleven of them continue in the same portfolios, including Foreign Affairs Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Minerals Minister Anthony Peter Mavunde, and Education Minister Adolf Faustine Mkenda.
The reshuffle also introduces 10 new ministers and several deputies promoted from earlier roles, signalling fresh leadership at the top. Notable new appointments include Joel Arthur Nanauka, who will lead the newly created Youth Development docket in the President’s Office, and Riziki Silas Shemdoe, appointed Minister for Regional Administration and Local Government.
Other new ministers include George Boniface Simbachawene at Home Affairs, Leonard Douglas Akwilapo at Lands, Housing and Human Settlements, Ashatu Kachwamba Kijaji at Natural Resources and Tourism, and Angellah Kairuki at Communication and Information Technology.
The Cabinet also features structural adjustments. The Regional Administration and Local Government docket has moved from the President’s Office to the Prime Minister’s Office, centralising oversight of local governance.
Key ministers take office
Other key appointments include Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete at the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, Kitila Alexander Mkumbo at Planning and Investment, Mohamed Omary Mchengerwa at Health, Dorothy Onesphoro Gwajima at Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, and Judith Salvio Kapinga at Industry and Trade.
President Samia urged her ministers to uphold integrity, work diligently, and deliver government priorities. She said the Cabinet changes are designed to strengthen accountability, improve service delivery, and accelerate progress on strategic programmes.
The appointments come after a disputed general election on October 29, 2025, which opposition parties rejected, alleging voter intimidation and irregularities. Parliament confirmed the Cabinet appointments, and all ministers and deputy ministers are scheduled to be sworn in on November 18, 2025, at the State House in Chamwino, Dodoma.
In a separate development, President Samia appointed former Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba as the country’s new Prime Minister on November 13, 2025, following the disputed general election on October 29, 2025. Nchemba, 50, has served in multiple Cabinet roles, including Agriculture, Home Affairs, and Finance. Parliament confirmed his appointment with 369 votes in favour.