Tanzania’s Parliament has unanimously approved Deogratius John Ndejembi as the country’s new Vice-President, clearing the way for President Samia Suluhu Hassan to have a new deputy following the resignation of Emmanuel Nchimbi.
All 324 lawmakers who voted backed Ndejembi’s nomination, with none voting against or abstaining.
Ndejembi, who is the Member of Parliament for Chamwino, pledged to support President Hassan in implementing the government’s agenda and promised to serve Tanzanians with humility.
Speaking after the vote, the new Vice-President said he would work to unite Tanzanians regardless of their political affiliations or religious beliefs.
“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.
Ndejembi also sought to reassure opposition supporters that his new position would not be limited to members of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
“I will not be a Vice-President for CCM alone, but a Vice-President for all Tanzanians, regardless of their political affiliations,” Ndejembi said.
Nchimbi’s Sudden Exit
Ndejembi’s appointment follows Nchimbi’s abrupt departure from the vice-presidency amid political changes within CCM.
Nchimbi announced his resignation on August 25, saying he had chosen to retire from public service and active politics. He initially indicated that his resignation would take effect on September 4.
However, Tanzania’s Attorney-General Hamza Johari told Parliament that Nchimbi ceased to hold the office on August 26, after he was expelled from CCM, creating the vacancy that President Hassan moved to fill.
Nchimbi’s departure comes against the backdrop of tensions within CCM and continued debate over Tanzania’s political direction following the disputed 2025 elections.
Ndejembi Rises to Tanzania’s Second-Highest Office
Ndejembi enters the vice-presidency with experience in both government and Parliament.
Before his nomination, he served as Minister for Energy and previously held the position of Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development.
His appointment also represents a significant elevation for a relatively young politician, prompting questions about whether he has sufficient experience for one of the country’s most powerful constitutional positions.
Ndejembi dismissed concerns about his age, saying his performance should instead be assessed based on his loyalty to the President, integrity and ability to fulfil responsibilities assigned to him.
He also described his appointment as evidence of CCM’s efforts to prepare younger politicians for leadership.
“I believe this is a demonstration that the party is nurturing young people to take up leadership roles,” he said.
With Parliament’s unanimous approval, Ndejembi now takes over the vice-presidency as President Hassan’s deputy at a politically sensitive period for Tanzania.
