Tanzania has a new Vice President after former Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi took the oath of office on Saturday, August 29, 2026, succeeding Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, who stepped down from the position last week.
Ndejembi was sworn in at State House in Dodoma a day after Parliament unanimously approved his nomination by the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
His approval came on Friday, August 28, when all 324 Members of Parliament who voted backed his nomination. No MP voted against his appointment.
Ndejembi now takes charge of the country’s second-highest office following the departure of Nchimbi, whose resignation was accepted by President Samia Suluhu Hassan last week.
Nchimbi was later expelled from CCM after announcing his resignation, with the party citing disciplinary issues.
Former Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi sworn in as Tanzania’s new Vice President in a ceremony attended by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dodoma, Tanzania on August 29, 2026.
PHOTO/HANDOUT
Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony, President Hassan congratulated Ndejembi and challenged him to use his new position to build wisdom and sound judgement as he takes on the responsibilities that come with the office.
The President also pointed to Ndejembi’s relatively young age, saying it could work in his favour by giving him the energy and determination required to carry out his duties.
"By consensus, we decided that the position of Vice President should be returned to the youth so that we can continue nurturing them. It has moved from a young person and we have returned it to a young person," President Hassan said.
Hassan urged the new Vice President to place greater focus on gaining wisdom rather than simply growing older as he serves in the new role.
"I ask you to grow, not in age but in wisdom. Do not be like a fish, whose intelligence deteriorates as it grows. Go and grow; I have given you a great responsibility and I believe you can do it," she said.
Ndejembi’s appointment and swearing-in now formally mark the beginning of his tenure as Tanzania’s Vice President after succeeding Nchimbi.