Samia Suluhu Hassan: Tanzania's First Female President and Her Impact on Africa

When Samia Suluhu Hassan, the first woman to lead Tanzania and one of the few female heads of state in Africa. Also known as Samia Suluhu, she stepped into power in March 2021 after the sudden death of President John Magufuli, making her not just a successor—but a turning point in East African politics. Unlike many leaders who inherit power through elections, Hassan’s rise was defined by constitutional succession, a rare moment of institutional stability in a region where leadership transitions often spark unrest.

Her leadership has reshaped Tanzania’s foreign policy, reversing Magufuli’s isolationist stance. She reopened borders, welcomed back international investors, and re-engaged with global health organizations after Tanzania’s controversial refusal of COVID-19 vaccines. Under her, Tanzania rejoined the African Union’s peace initiatives and began pushing for regional trade deals under the AfCFTA. Her quiet, pragmatic style—often described as ‘listening first, acting second’—has earned her respect from diplomats, even as critics question whether her reforms go deep enough.

Samia Suluhu Hassan’s presidency also carries symbolic weight. In a continent where women hold fewer than 25% of parliamentary seats, her role as head of state challenges long-standing norms. She’s appointed more women to ministerial roles than any predecessor, and her public speeches often emphasize education for girls and women’s economic inclusion. While she hasn’t pushed for constitutional changes to guarantee gender quotas, her presence alone has inspired a new generation of Tanzanian women to enter politics.

Her tenure hasn’t been without friction. Opposition groups say her government still cracks down on dissent, and media freedom remains restricted. Yet, compared to her predecessor, her administration feels more open—holding press briefings, engaging with civil society, and allowing limited protests. The real test comes in 2025, when Tanzania holds its next general election. Will she run? Can she build a coalition that outlives her personal credibility? These questions hang over her leadership.

What you’ll find here are stories that connect Samia Suluhu Hassan to the broader currents shaping Africa today: how leaders rise in moments of crisis, how gender shapes power, and how small policy shifts in one country ripple across the continent. From her handling of regional security to her stance on economic reform, her presidency is a lens into Africa’s evolving political landscape.