DODOMA — Former Energy Minister Deogratius John Ndejembi has been sworn in as Tanzania’s new Vice President, taking over the country’s second-highest constitutional office following the resignation of Emmanuel Nchimbi.
Ndejembi, 43, took the oath of office at State House in Chamwino, Dodoma, on August 29, one day after Tanzania’s Parliament unanimously approved his nomination. All 324 lawmakers who participated in the vote supported his appointment, with no votes recorded against him.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan nominated Ndejembi to replace Nchimbi, whose resignation was accepted earlier this week. The change marks a rapid transition in Tanzania’s senior leadership and brings a relatively young politician into one of the country’s most influential government positions.
Before his appointment as Vice President, Ndejembi served as Minister for Energy and represented the Chamwino constituency in Parliament. His promotion to the vice-presidency represents a significant step forward in his political career and places him at the centre of the government’s national leadership.
Following Parliament’s approval, Ndejembi pledged his loyalty to President Hassan and promised to serve all Tanzanians regardless of their political affiliations. He said his performance should be measured by his commitment, integrity and ability to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him rather than by his age.
During the swearing-in ceremony, President Hassan congratulated Ndejembi and urged him to approach his new responsibilities with wisdom, discipline and sound judgment. She also highlighted his age, saying that younger leaders can bring energy and determination to national service.
Ndejembi’s appointment is being viewed as part of a broader effort to give younger political figures greater responsibilities within Tanzania’s leadership. His transition from the Energy Ministry to the vice-presidency represents a notable generational change at the highest levels of government.
His appointment comes at a politically sensitive moment following the unexpected resignation of Nchimbi, who had served as Vice President for less than a year. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) later expelled Nchimbi from the party, citing disciplinary concerns.
With Ndejembi now officially in office, attention will focus on how he works with President Hassan and the wider government to advance Tanzania’s development priorities.
The new Vice President has also pledged to maintain close ties with the people of Chamwino, even as he assumes his national responsibilities. He has called for unity and continued cooperation to ensure that Tanzanians benefit from government development programmes.
Ndejembi’s swearing-in formally completes the process of filling the vice-presidential vacancy and places a 43-year-old political figure in a key position at a significant moment for Tanzania’s leadership.
His new role will see him working closely with President Hassan on national governance, development, public policy and other priorities as the government moves forward with its agenda.
