Tanzania’s Vice President Emmanuel John Nchimbi has announced his resignation from office and retirement from politics and public service.
Nchimbi made the announcement on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after submitting his resignation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan. His resignation is expected to take effect on September 4, 2026.
In his statement, Nchimbi said he had decided to step away from both politics and public service. He referred to provisions of Tanzania’s Constitution that provide for the voluntary resignation of holders of constitutional offices.
The outgoing Vice President also recalled a commitment he made to President Samia when he assumed the position. He had pledged to support the President and serve the country faithfully, while also agreeing to leave office if she believed a change in the position was necessary.
Nchimbi said he had become convinced that President Samia wanted a different person to serve as Vice President and decided to honour the commitment he had previously made.
His departure comes less than a year after he took over as Tanzania’s Vice President in November 2025, following the death of his predecessor, Philip Mpango.
The resignation will create a vacancy in one of Tanzania’s highest constitutional offices and pave the way for President Samia to appoint a new Vice President.
Nchimbi’s decision also marks his retirement from active politics and public service after a long career in government and political leadership.