Joseph Isangura
Tanzania’s President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has made significant strategic changes to her advisory team, appointing former Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango and former Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa as her senior advisors.
The appointments, announced on January 10, 2026, reflect the president’s focus on strengthening leadership at the highest level to address the country’s economic and social priorities.
Speaking at a ceremony in Dar es Salaam honoring Tanzanian athletes who performed well internationally, President Samia explained that Dr. Mpango will serve as her advisor on economic affairs and national projects, while Kassim Majaliwa will focus on social and community-related matters. “I needed advisors with broad knowledge, extensive experience, and excellent communication skills,” President Samia said. “Both Mpango and Majaliwa bring proven leadership capabilities that are essential for our national agenda.”
In addition to these appointments, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi has been reassigned from the Ministry of Sports to serve as Minister of State in the President’s Office, Special Duties. According to President Samia, Professor Kabudi will coordinate and work closely with the new advisors, acting as a crucial link between the presidency and the advisory team. She described Kabudi as a calm and capable individual, well-suited to manage high-level leadership coordination.
“The world is watching Tanzania with both positive and critical eyes,” President Samia noted. “To navigate these complexities, I need a strong advisory team with experience, insight, and strategic foresight.” Professor Kabudi’s role, she added, is vital in ensuring smooth communication and collaboration between herself and her advisors, particularly in handling complex policy matters.
The reshuffle comes at a time when Tanzania is increasingly in the global spotlight for its economic growth, social reforms, and diplomatic engagement. Analysts say the appointments strengthen the government’s capacity to manage major projects, implement social programs, and respond strategically to international developments. More on Tanzania’s political leadership can be found at Politics of Tanzania.
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Dr. Mpango, known for his tenure as Vice President and his background in economics and finance, brings a wealth of experience in managing large-scale projects and budgetary planning. Majaliwa, the former Prime Minister, is recognized for his focus on social policies, infrastructure development, and grassroots engagement. The combination of economic and social expertise is expected to provide the president with a balanced approach to governance and decision-making.
Professor Kabudi, who previously served as a minister and diplomat, has been praised for his negotiation skills and ability to mediate complex issues. Observers say his coordination role will be critical in maintaining unity and efficiency among top-level advisors, particularly as the administration navigates both domestic priorities and international relations. For background on his career, see Palamagamba Kabudi.
Experts suggest that the strategic appointments also signal Tanzania’s commitment to robust governance structures. By selecting advisors with complementary expertise in economics and social affairs, President Samia is positioning her administration to address the dual challenges of sustainable development and social well-being, while strengthening the country’s standing on the global stage.
This restructuring marks a proactive approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of experience, coordination, and strategic foresight in managing a modern state. Observers say the move reinforces President Samia’s vision of a cohesive leadership team capable of implementing transformative policies and enhancing Tanzania’s socio-economic development.
