Samia Suluhu Hassan

About

Tanzanian politician who became the 6th president of Tanzania, and its first ever female president in March of 2021. She is a member of the ruling social democrat Chama Cha Mapinduzi party. She was the 3rd female head of government for an East African Community country. She won the Africa Road Builders-Babacar Ndiaye Trophy in 2022.

Before Fame

She graduated from the Institute of Development Management (present-day Mzumbe University) in 1986, with an advanced diploma in Public Administration. She earned a post-graduate degree in Economics from the University of Manchester. In 2000, she ran for public office and was elected as a special seat member to the Zanzibar House of Representatives, and was later appointed a minister. 

Trivia

Her administration greatly increased efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Tanzania. In 2021, she filmed a movie of The Royal Tour, to promote tourism and investment in Tanzania. She has 1.3 million followers on her suluhusamia Twitter account, where she reacts to world events, such as the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria in 2023, and the celebration of Chinese New Year. 

Family Life

She married Hafidh Ameir in 1978. They have four children together. 

Associated With

She came into office following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli.