Tanzania's new vice president Deogratius John Ndejembi/COURTESY Tanzania’s Parliament has unanimously approved Deogratius John Ndejembi as the country’s new Vice-President, giving President Samia Suluhu Hassan a new deputy following the abrupt departure of Emmanuel Nchimbi.
All 324 lawmakers who voted on the nomination backed Ndejembi, with none voting against or abstaining, paving the way for him to assume the country’s second-highest constitutional office.
Ndejembi, the Member of Parliament for Chamwino, pledged loyalty to President Hassan and promised to help her deliver the government’s agenda.
Speaking after Parliament approved his nomination, Ndejembi said he would serve the President with humility and obedience while working to unite Tanzanians.
“I will strive, with great humility, to assist the President in serving as a bridge to all Tanzanians, regardless of political ideology or religion, in accordance with her directives, because I serve under President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” he said.
He also sought to reassure Tanzanians that his appointment would not make him a representative of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) alone.
“I will not be a Vice-President for CCM alone, but a Vice-President for all Tanzanians, regardless of their political affiliations,” Ndejembi said.
His appointment comes after Nchimbi resigned from the vice-presidency amid a political shake-up within CCM.
Nchimbi announced his resignation on August 25, saying he had decided to retire from public service and active politics.
He had initially indicated that his resignation would take effect on September 4.
However, Tanzania’s Attorney-General Hamza Johari told Parliament that Nchimbi ceased to be Vice-President on August 26 after he was expelled from CCM, effectively creating the vacancy that President Hassan moved to fill.
Nchimbi’s departure came against the backdrop of tensions within CCM and debate over Tanzania’s political direction following the disputed 2025 elections.
Ndejembi brings considerable government and political experience to the office.
Before his nomination, he served as Minister for Energy and previously held the Cabinet portfolio for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development.
His rise also marks the elevation of a relatively young politician to one of Tanzania’s most powerful offices.
Addressing concerns over his age and experience, Ndejembi said his performance should be judged not by his age but by his loyalty to the President, integrity in serving Tanzanians and commitment to carrying out assignments given to him.
He said his appointment also demonstrated CCM’s commitment to nurturing young people for leadership.
“I believe this is a demonstration that the party is nurturing young people to take up leadership roles,” he said.
Ndejembi is now expected to work closely with President Hassan in coordinating government functions and implementing her development agenda.
His unanimous endorsement gives the President a deputy with both Cabinet and parliamentary experience as Tanzania enters a politically sensitive period.
