Samia Suluhu Hassan Age, Wiki and Bio

Samia Suluhu Hassan

Quick Info

ProfessionPolitician
NationalityTanzanian
Date of Birth27/01/1960
Age66 years
BirthplaceMakunduchi, Sultanate of Zanzibar

Bio/Wiki

Known forBeing the first woman to serve as the President of Tanzania

Physical Stats & More

Height5' 7" (170 cm)
Eye ColorBlack

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

ReligionIslam
Hobbies
  • Reading
  • Writing

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried
Marriage Date1978

Family

FatherSultan Ameir (teacher)
MotherAmina Hassan
SpouseHafidh Ameir (Agriculturist)
Children
  • Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir (Son)
  • Wanu Hafidh Ameir (Politician)
  • Naila Ameir
  • Halima Ameir

Career

Political PartyChama 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
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

Some Lesser Known Facts

Grew up in Makunduchi, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Initially worked as an office clerk after studying at the Zanzibar Institute of Financial Administration.
Joined the development sector with a regional government role and at the World Food Programme.
Became a notable figure in Zanzibar politics, being the only high-ranking woman in her cabinet.
First female running mate in the CCM party's history during the 2015 elections.
Took immediate actions addressing COVID-19 and revitalizing development projects upon becoming President.
Promoted tourism by creating a documentary with prominent filmmaker Peter Greenberg.
Advocated for increased freedom of speech and improved international relations following her presidency.