By Business Insider Reporter
President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has unveiled a sweeping new Cabinet following the fiercely disputed October 29, 2025 General Election – an overhaul that blends continuity with new power players and signals a strategic effort to stabilise her administration amid heightened political tensions.
In a televised address from the State House in Chamwino on November 17, Dr. Samia appointed Khamis Mussa Omar, Tanzania’s outgoing ambassador to China, as the new Minister of Finance, succeeding Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, who has been elevated to the post of Prime Minister.
Mr. Omar’s appointment is being closely watched by the national business community and both local and international investors.
His diplomatic experience in China – Tanzania’s largest trading partner and a key source of foreign investment – positions him to strengthen economic cooperation, unlock new financing opportunities, and help steer fiscal policy at a time when the country seeks stability after a contentious election cycle.
For domestic businesses, his background signals continuity in the government’s push for investment-led growth, while offering hope for improved engagement with the private sector.
International investors are expected to view his appointment as a potentially stabilising move, given his exposure to global finance, trade negotiations, and large-scale development partnerships.
Mr. Omar will be supported by deputy ministers Loren Deogratius Luswetula and Mshamo Munde, a team expected to drive reforms, reinforce confidence in Tanzania’s economic direction, and support the government’s broader ambitions for fiscal discipline and accelerated development.
Despite the reshuffle, Dr. Samia retained several key figures from her previous government, including Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo and Minerals Minister, Anthony Mavunde, both of whom continue in their influential portfolios.
In total, 17 ministers were carried over from the prior Cabinet, with 11 staying in the same ministries.
The President introduced 10 new ministers and expanded the government to 27 ministries with 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, signalling what she called a “fresh leadership push” to strengthen accountability and accelerate national development programmes.
Among the most notable appointments were:
- Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete, son of former president Jakaya Kikwete, named Minister for Public Service Management and Good Governance.
- Joel Nanauka appointed to lead a newly created Youth Development docket under the President’s Office.
- Prof Riziki Silas Shemdoe taking over the restored Regional Administration and Local Government ministry.
- George Simbachawene at Home Affairs, Leonard Akwilapo at Lands, Dr Ashatu Kijaji at Natural Resources and Tourism, Angellah Kairuki at Communications and ICT, and Judith Kapinga at Industry and Trade.
Dr. Samia’s changes come at a time of mounting domestic and international pressure. Her landslide re-election was marred by violent clashes following the exclusion of her main challengers.
Dr. Samia urged the appointees to uphold integrity, deliver results, and restore public trust. All ministers and deputies are set to be sworn in on today (November 18) in Dodoma. With her new 2025–2030 Cabinet, President Samia has signalled a decisive attempt to reassert control, inject fresh leadership, and guide Tanzania through one of its most turbulent political chapters in decades.
FULL LIST: DR. SAMIA’S 2025/30 CABINET LINE-UP
| Ministry / Office | Minister | Deputy Minister(s) |
| President’s Office – Public Service Management & Good Governance | Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete | Regina Ndege Qwaray |
| President’s Office – Planning & Investment | Prof. Kitila Alexander Mkumbo | Pius Steven Chaya |
| President’s Office – Youth Development | Joel Arthur Nanauka | ————– |
| Vice President’s Office – Union & Environment | Eng. Hamad Yusuph Masauni | Festo John Ndugange |
| Prime Minister’s Office – Policy, Parliament, Coordination & Persons with Disabilities | William Lukuvi | Ummy Ndeliananga |
| Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration & Local Government (RALG) | Prof. Riziki Silas Shemdoe | Ruben Kwagilwa; Jafar Rajab Seif |
| Ministry of Labour, Employment & Industrial Relations | Clemence Sango | Rahma Kisuo |
| Ministry of Finance | Khamis Mussa Omar | Loren Deogratius Luswetula; Mshamo Munde |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs & East African Cooperation | Mahmoud Thabit Kombo | Dr. Ngaru Jumaanne Magembe; James Kinyasi Millya |
| Ministry of Home Affairs | George Boniface Simbachawene | Denis Lazoro Londo |
| Ministry of Agriculture | Godfrey Chongolo | David Silinde |
| Ministry of Water | Jumaa Hamidu Aweso | Kundo Andrew Mathew |
| Ministry of Defence & National Service | Raymond Nyasaho | ———- |
| Ministry of Works | Hamisi Abdallah Ulega | Eng. Godfrey Kasekenya |
| Ministry of Transport | Makame Mbarawa Mnyaa | David Mwakiposa Kihenzile |
| Ministry of Industry & Trade | Judith Salvio Kapinga | Pascal Katambi |
| Ministry of Communication & Information Technology | Angellah Kairuki | Switbert Mkama |
| Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women & Special Groups | Dorothy Onesphoro Gwajima | Maryprisca Mahundi |
| Ministry of Health | Mohamed Omary Mchengerwa | Florence Samizi |
| Ministry of Education, Science & Technology | Prof. Adolf Faustine Mkenda | Wanu Hafidh Wazir |
| Ministry of Lands, Housing & Human Settlements Development | Dr. Leonard Douglas Akwilapo | Kaspar Mmuya |
| Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism | Dr. Ashatu Kachwamba Kijaji | Hamad Hassan Chande |
| Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts & Sports | Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi | Khamis Mwinjuma; Paul Makonda |
| Ministry of Livestock & Fisheries | Ambassador Dr. Bashiru Ally Kakurwa | Ng’wasi Damas Kamani |
| Ministry of Minerals | Anthony Peter Mavunde | Dr. Steven Lemomo Kiruswa |
| Ministry of Energy | Deogratius Ndejembi | Salome Makamba |
| Ministry of Constitutional & Legal Affairs | Juma Zuberi Omera | Zainab Athumani Katimba |
Ends…
