Tanzanian Vice President Emmanuel John Nchimbi has announced his resignation from office and retirement from politics and public service, with the decision set to take effect on September 4, 2026.
In a letter addressed to President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday, August 25, Nchimbi said he had formally tendered his resignation.
The Vice President said his decision was made in accordance with 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 wrote.
He added that his resignation as Vice President would take effect on September 4, 2026.
Nchimbi’s political journey began in the 1990s after completing his studies at the Institute of Development Management-Mzumbe, now known as Mzumbe University.
He entered elective politics in 2005 when he was elected Member of Parliament for Songea Town after securing 67.6 per cent of the vote.
In 2006, then-President Jakaya Kikwete appointed him Deputy Minister for Information, Culture and Sports. He later served as Deputy Minister for Labour, Employment and Youth Development, as well as Deputy Minister for Defence and National Service.
Nchimbi subsequently rose to Cabinet level, serving as Minister for Information, Culture and Sports before becoming Minister for Home Affairs, a position he held from May 2012 to December 2013.
He retained his parliamentary seat during the 2010 General Election, defeating his CHADEMA challenger with 59.9 per cent of the vote.
Beyond his parliamentary and ministerial roles, Nchimbi served Tanzania diplomatically as ambassador to Brazil and later Egypt before returning to senior positions within CCM.
In January 2024, he was appointed Secretary-General of CCM, placing him at the centre of the ruling party’s national political machinery.
His political career took another significant turn when he became President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s running mate in the 2025 General Election. Following the election, he assumed the position of Vice President.
Alongside his political career, Nchimbi pursued further academic qualifications. He obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Banking and Finance and later earned a PhD from Mzumbe University.