Tanzania’s Vice President Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi has resigned from office and announced his retirement from politics and public service, effective September 4, 2026.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 25, from the Office of the Vice President in Dodoma, Nchimbi said he had formally written to President Samia Suluhu Hassan informing her of his decision.
Nchimbi said his resignation was made pursuant to Article 50(2)(c), read together with Article 149(2) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.
“Today, 25 August 2026, I wrote a letter to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, informing her that I have decided to retire from politics and public service,” Nchimbi said.
“Accordingly, I will resign from the position of Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania … effective 4 September 2026,” he added.
Nchimbi said his decision was also linked to a commitment he made to President Samia on August 27, 2025, when he pledged to support her and the country faithfully.
“I also assured her that if at any time she felt she needed another Vice President, I would relinquish this position,” he said.
Nchimbi said he had become convinced that President Samia wanted a change in the position and had therefore decided to honour the commitment he made to her.
“I have become convinced without doubt that Her Excellency the President desires change, and therefore I have decided to fulfil my promise,” he said.
Nchimbi thanked President Samia and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for their confidence in him and expressed gratitude to Tanzanians for their support during his years in public service.
“I assure you that I will continue to be a good citizen of Tanzania,” he said.
Nchimbi’s political career dates back to the 1990s after completing his studies at the Institute of Development Management-Mzumbe, now Mzumbe University.
Nchimbi has held several senior positions in government and politics, including serving as Songea Urban MP, minister and deputy minister under former President Jakaya Kikwete. He later served as Tanzania’s ambassador to Brazil and Egypt before returning to senior CCM politics.
He was appointed CCM Secretary-General in January 2024 and became Samia’s running mate in the 2025 general election before assuming the vice-presidency.
