Tanzania President Appoints Own Daughter, In-law As Ministers
Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu Hassan on Monday unveiled the team that will steer her second-term agenda, naming a new Cabinet featuring 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, among them her daughter, Wamu Hafidh Ameir, and Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete, son of former President Jakaya Kikwete.
In an address broadcast from the Chamwino State House in Dodoma, President Samia said the new lineup reflects her commitment to “effective service delivery and renewed leadership focus.”
“This afternoon, I have announced the appointment of the Cabinet and Deputy Ministers. Together, we will work to fulfil the fundamental responsibility of serving the citizens,” she said.
Wamu Hafidh Ameir, 43, currently the Member of Parliament for Makunduchi in Zanzibar, was appointed Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology.
She recently retained her seat under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) following the October 29, 2025, general election.
Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete, 46, representing Chalinze Constituency in Pwani Region, was named Minister of Public Service Management and Good Governance in the President’s Office.
His appointment reinforces the long-standing political alliance between his father, Tanzania’s fourth President, and President Samia, who has often acknowledged Kikwete’s influence in her political rise within CCM.
President Samia also named Tanzania’s ambassador to China, Khamis Mussa Omar, as the new Minister of Finance in a sweeping reshuffle that saw seven ministers dropped from the previous Cabinet.
Those left out include: Dr. Doto Biteko — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Hussein Bashe — Agriculture, Innocent Bashungwa — Home Affairs, Jenista Mhagama — Health, Dr. Seleman Jafo — Industries and Trade, Dr. Pindi Chana — Natural Resources and Tourism and Dr. Damas Ndumbaro — Constitution and Legal Affairs.
The newly appointed ministers and their deputies took the oath of office on Tuesday morning during a ceremony held at Chamwino State House.
Addressing the appointees, President Samia underscored the weight of their responsibility.
“This responsibility is both a duty and a debt we must repay to the people by serving them with passion, hard work and great integrity. May God guide and lead you,” she said.
