DODOMA, Tanzania—Tanzania’s Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has resigned from office and active politics, with his departure set to take effect on September 4, 2026.
In a public notice dated August 25 and issued by the Office of the Vice President in Dodoma, Nchimbi formally informed President Samia Suluhu Hassan of his decision to leave public service.
Nchimbi cited Articles 50(2)(c) and 149(2) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which provide for the appointment of a new Vice President without requiring a fresh election.
The resignation comes a year after Nchimbi pledged to President Hassan that he would serve with “utter faithfulness” and leave office whenever the President considered it necessary.
“I am fully satisfied, without any doubt, that Her Excellency the President desires change, and thus I have decided to fulfil my promise,” Nchimbi said in his resignation notice.
He thanked President Hassan and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for entrusting him with the position, while saying he would continue serving Tanzania as a patriotic citizen despite withdrawing from active politics.
Nchimbi’s resignation marks a major change in Tanzania’s senior leadership and comes as the government prepares for a transition in the Vice President’s office.
Long political career
Nchimbi, born on December 24, 1971, in Mbeya Region, has held several political and government positions during a career spanning more than two decades.
He entered active politics through CCM’s youth wing, UVCCM, where he became chairperson in 1998.
He was elected Member of Parliament for Songea Town in 2005 after securing 67.6 per cent of the vote. A year later, then-President Jakaya Kikwete appointed him Deputy Minister for Information, Culture and Sports.
He subsequently served as Deputy Minister for Labour, Employment and Youth Development and Deputy Minister for Defence and National Service before becoming Minister for Information, Culture and Sports.
Nchimbi later served as Minister for Home Affairs from May 2012 to December 2013.
He retained his Songea Town parliamentary seat in the 2010 General Election after defeating his CHADEMA opponent with 59.9 per cent of the vote.
Alongside his political career, Nchimbi pursued higher education, earning an MBA in Banking and Finance and later a PhD from Mzumbe University.
His resignation takes effect on September 4, 2026.
