Dodoma. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has unveiled a new Cabinet, appointing 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers across 27 ministries, in a development widely seen as consolidating her administration and shaping the agenda for the coming political term.
Announced at a press conference on November 17, 2025, the appointments reflect a deliberate balance between continuity and renewal, with 17 members of the previous executive retained.
Of these, 11 return to the same portfolios they held in the immediate past Cabinet.
Among the key figures maintaining their posts are the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Amb Mahmoud Thabit Kombo; the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Peter Mavunde; and the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Faustine Mkenda.
Nonetheless, the reshuffle features significant departures, with seven former Cabinet members omitted.
Notable exclusions include the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko; the former Minister for Agriculture, Hussein Bashe; and the former Minister for Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa.
Their exit paves the way for 10 new entrants, alongside several individuals elevated from deputy ministerial roles, signalling a fresh infusion of expertise and political vigour at the highest levels of government.
A major structural adjustment accompanies the appointments, with the Regional Administration and Local Government docket transferred from the President’s Office to the Prime Minister’s Office, thereby centralising oversight of local governance under the direct supervision of the new Prime Minister.
Full composition of the new Cabinet
The following is the list of Cabinet Ministers and their respective portfolios under the new government structure:
The President’s Office [Public Service Management and Good Governance] is now headed by Ridhiwani Jakaya Kikwete, while the President’s Office [Planning and Investment] continues under Prof Kitila Alexander Mkumbo.
A newly created portfolio, the President’s Office [Youth Development], will be led by Joel Arthur Nanauka.
In the Vice President’s Office [Union and Environment], Eng Hamad Yusuf Masauni continues in the same role.
Under the Prime Minister’s Office [Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities], William Vangimembe Lukuvi remains at the helm.
The repositioned Prime Minister’s Office [Regional Administration and Local Government] is now led by Prof Riziki Silas Shemdoe, marking his entry into the Cabinet.
Amb Khamis Mussa Omar, another new entrant, becomes the Minister for Finance, while the Ministry of Energy is now under Deogratius John Ndejembi.
The Ministry of Minerals remains under Anthony Peter Mavunde.
Judith Salvio Kapinga assumes leadership of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, following her elevation from the role of Deputy Minister for Energy.
Abdallah Hamis Ulega continues at the Ministry of Works, and Prof Makame Mnyaa Mbarawa retains the Ministry of Transport.
Jumaa Hamidu Aweso also continues as Minister for Water.
George Boniface Simbachawene becomes the new Minister for Home Affairs, while the Ministry of Defence and National Service is entrusted to Rhimo Nyansaho, a fresh appointee.
The Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs is now led by Juma Zuberi Homera, also a new entrant.
Tanzania’s diplomatic engagement remains under Amb Mahmoud Thabit Kombo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
In social sectors, Prof Adolf Faustine Mkenda continues at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
The Ministry of Health will now be led by Mohamed Omary Mchengerwa, while the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups continutes to be under Dr Dorothy Onesphoro Gwajima.
Additional appointments include two new entrant, Daniel Godfrey Chongolo at the Ministry of Agriculture and Amb Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.
Dr Ashatu Kachwamba Kijaji becomes the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism.
Dr Leonard Douglas Akwilapo, a new entrant, takes charge of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development.
Angellah Kairuki also a new entrant leads the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, while Prof Palamagamba John Kabudi remaining the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports.
All newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers are scheduled to be sworn in tomorrow, 18 November 2025, at the State House in Chamwino, Dodoma.
