Staff Reporter
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – Tanzanian Vice-President Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi has resigned from office and announced his retirement from public service and active politics, effective September 4, 2026.
Dr. Nchimbi announced his decision in a public notice issued by the Office of the Vice-President in Dodoma on Tuesday.
He said he had formally submitted his resignation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, citing provisions of the Constitution that allow the president to appoint a new vice-president.
Dr. Nchimbi said his decision was also in fulfillment of a commitment he made to President Hassan when he assumed office.
“On August 27, 2025, I promised Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan that I would assist her and our country to the best of my ability and with utmost faithfulness,” he said.
“I also assured her that whenever she saw the need for another vice-president, I would vacate the position. I am fully satisfied, without any doubt, that Her Excellency the president desires change, and thus I have decided to fulfill my promise.”
He expressed gratitude to President Hassan and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for entrusting him with leadership responsibilities.
Dr. Nchimbi also thanked Tanzanians for their support during his years in public service, saying he would continue to serve the country as a patriotic citizen.
His resignation brings to an end a long political career spanning more than two decades, during which he held several senior government and party positions.
Born in Mbeya Region on December 24, 1971, Dr. Nchimbi entered active politics through CCM and rose through the party’s youth structures before being elected to parliament.
He was elected chairman of the CCM Youth Wing, Umoja wa Vijana wa Chama Cha Mapinduzi (UVCCM), in 1998.
He later served as district commissioner for Bunda and was elected member of parliament for Songea Town in the 2005 general elections.
Following his election to parliament, he was appointed deputy minister for Information, Culture and Sports in 2006.
He subsequently served in various ministerial portfolios, including Labour, Employment and Youth Development; Defence and National Service; Information, Culture and Sports; and Home Affairs.
Dr. Nchimbi retained the Songea Town parliamentary seat in the 2010 elections.
His political career was accompanied by academic advancement, including an MBA in Banking and Finance from Mzumbe University and a doctorate from the same institution.
The Tanzanian vice-president said his decision to leave active politics would not diminish his commitment to the country.
President Hassan is now expected to appoint a new vice-president following Dr. Nchimbi’s resignation.
