Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has appointed her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, as the new deputy minister for education.
Hafidh Ameir, 43, is the Member of Parliament for Makunduchi Constituency in the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar.
She retained her parliamentary seat in the October 29, 2025 general election under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) ticket, which also sponsored her mother’s presidential bid.
President Suluhu Hassan, at the same time, appointed Hafidh Ameir’s spouse, Mohamed Mchengerwa, as the new health minister.
Former president’s son appointed minister
Mchengerwa, 46, is also the Member of Parliament for Rufiji Constituency in the country’s eastern Pwani Region.
Tanzania’s former President Jakaya Kikwete’s son, Ridhwani Kikwete, has also been appointed minister in President Suluhu Hassan’s office. He will be in charge of Public Service Management and Good Governance in the head of state’s office.
Ridhwani Kikwete, 46, is also a lawmaker of CCM party, representing the coastal constituency of Chalinze located in Pwani Region.
President Suluhu Hassan, who was declared winner of Tanzania’s October 29 presidential election with nearly 98% of the vote, named 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers in the reconstituted cabinet.
Seven officials axed
Seven senior officials, who served in the previous cabinet, have been relieved of their duties. They include former Energy Minister Doto Biteko, Hussein Bashe (agriculture), and Selemani Jafo (trade).
In the new government, Khamis Mussa Omar will take charge of the powerful finance ministry, while Mahmoud Thabit Kombo has been retained as foreign minister.
Prof. Adolf Mkenda will be the education minister, to be deputised by President Suluhu’s daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir.
Daniel Chongolo will head the agriculture docket, while Judith Kapinga will serve as the industry and trade minister.
(hiiraan)
