Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzanian Politician) Biography

Quick Info

Profession	Politician
Nationality	Tanzanian
Date of Birth	27/01/1960
Age	66 years
Birthplace	Makunduchi, Sultanate of Zanzibar

Latest News about Samia Suluhu Hassan

10/2025

Samia Suluhu Hassan was reelected as President of Tanzania in the October 2025 general elections, securing a full term after being nominated by CCM. International observers characterized the election as not free or fair, amid accusations of government control over media, opposition, and the electoral process.

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Bio/Wiki

Known for	Being the first woman to serve as the President of Tanzania

Physical Stats & More

Height	5' 7" (170 cm)
Eye Color	Black

Educational Qualification(s)

School	Chwaka Primary School, Unguja (1966-1968) Ziwani Primary school, Pemba (1970-1971) Mahonda Primary School, Unguja (1972) Ngambo and Lumumba Secondary School, Unguja (1973-1975)
College/University	Mzumbe University, Tanzania University of Manchester, England Open University of Tanzania, Tanzania Southern New Hampshire University, United States
Qualifications	Advanced diploma in public administration from Mzumbe University Postgraduate diploma in economics (1992-1994) from University of Manchester Master's of Science in Community Economic Development (2015) via a joint programme between the Open University of Tanzania and Southern New Hampshire University

Personal Life

Religion	Islam
Hobbies	Reading Writing

Relationships & More

Marital Status	Married
Marriage Date	1978

Family

Father	Sultan Ameir (teacher)
Mother	Amina Hassan
Spouse	Hafidh Ameir (Agriculturist)
Children	Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir (Son) Wanu Hafidh Ameir (Politician) Naila Ameir Halima Ameir

Career

Political Party	Chama Cha Mapinduzi
Political Journey	2000: Entered politics by winning a seat in Zanzibar House of Representatives 2000: Became Minister of Youth Employment, Women, and Children in Zanzibar 2005: Reappointed as Minister of Tourism, Trade, and Investment 2010: Elected Member of Parliament for Makunduchi Constituency 2010: Took on the role of Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office for Union Affairs 2014: Served as Vice-Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly drafting the new constitution 2015: Assumed office as Vice President of Tanzania under President John Magufuli 2021: Sworn in as the 6th and first female President of Tanzania 2022: Became Chairperson of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party 2025: Reelected as President of Tanzania in October
Awards and Achievements	Africa Road Builders – Babacar Ndiaye Trophy (2020) CARE International – CARE Impact Award for Women's Inspirational Leadership (2022) Key to the City of Lilongwe (2023) International Military Sports Council Order of Merit (Grand Cordon) (2025) Order of South Africa (2023) Order of the Revolution for Leaders with Unique Characteristics, Tanzania (2024) Order of the Mother of the Nation, United Arab Emirates (2025) Honorary Doctorate in Letters from University of Dar es Salaam (2022) Multiple honorary PhDs from various universities between 2023 and 2024

Social Media

Instagram	https://www.instagram.com/samia_suluhu_hassan/
Facebook	https://www.facebook.com/officialsamiasuluhu/
Twitter	https://x.com/SuluhuSamia
LinkedIn	https://www.linkedin.com/in/samia-suluhu-007231a1/

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Grew up in Makunduchi, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
2. Initially worked as an office clerk after studying at the Zanzibar Institute of Financial Administration.
3. Joined the development sector with a regional government role and at the World Food Programme.
4. Became a notable figure in Zanzibar politics, being the only high-ranking woman in her cabinet.
5. First female running mate in the CCM party's history during the 2015 elections.
6. Took immediate actions addressing COVID-19 and revitalizing development projects upon becoming President.
7. Promoted tourism by creating a documentary with prominent filmmaker Peter Greenberg.
8. Advocated for increased freedom of speech and improved international relations following her presidency.
9. Publicly received COVID-19 vaccination in August 2021 to boost public confidence in vaccines.
10. Lifted bans on opposition rallies and media restrictions imposed under her predecessor.
11. Inaugurated the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge (East Africa's longest) and Kwala Dry Port in July 2025.
12. First female Vice President in Tanzania's history (2015-2021).
13. Reversed several of her predecessor John Magufuli's repressive policies, including lifting bans on print and broadcast media and rescinding the policy barring pregnant girls from attending school.

Samia Suluhu Hassan Politician Tanzanian Makunduchi, Sultanate of Zanzibar