Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | President Samia Suluhu Hassan on November 13 2025 nominated former finance minister Mwigulu Nchemba as Tanzania’s next prime minister, marking a key leadership change following the recent general election.
Nchemba, an economist with a longtime career in government, served as finance minister from 2021 until this week. His selection comes amid a transition period as Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), consolidates power after the October 29 election.
Members of Parliament were expected to approve his nomination later the same day. The move is widely seen as President Hassan’s effort to refocus her administration on economic transformation and governance stability. Observers say Nchemba’s technocratic background positions him well to steer policy implementation in a complex regional and global context.
While internal party dynamics played a role, the appointment also reflects Tanzania’s broader priorities: strengthening public finance management, deepening regional integration, and maintaining investor confidence. Nchemba’s performance in his previous role managing the national budget and his reputation for fiscal discipline were cited as key factors by analysts.
His nomination is also likely to shift the composition of the cabinet and may include new ministers aligned with President Hassan’s development agenda. During his tenure as finance minister, Nchemba emphasised digitalisation of revenue collection, performance‑based budgeting, and public‑private partnerships areas already flagged by the president as national priorities.
The transition comes at a critical juncture for Tanzania: economic headwinds, regional trade tensions, and calls for inclusive governance are high on the national agenda. As prime minister, Nchemba will face the challenge of translating policy into results while balancing party expectations, regional demands, and public service delivery.
His appointment signals a continuity of technocratic leadership within Tanzania’s government, but also raises questions about how the new administration will handle dissent, governance reforms, and external pressures especially in a political environment marked by rapid shifts and heightened scrutiny.