Joseph Isangura
The leader of ACT-Wazalendo, Dorothy Semu, has confirmed her plans to run for president in the 2025 general elections, marking a bold step in Tanzania’s political race.
In a recent statement, Semu shared her reasons for deciding to vie for the country’s top office, stressing her readiness to offer a fresh approach to the nation’s leadership.
Semu expressed her confidence in her ability to win, stating firmly that she is entering the race with determination. “I am not here to lose,” she said. “I am confident that I can bring the change Tanzania needs.”
Her announcement comes as ACT-Wazalendo recently opened up the opportunity for its members to declare their candidacies for various political positions ahead of the 2025 elections. This move by the party has set the stage for what is expected to be a lively political contest.
Semu is preparing to challenge President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is expected to seek a second term under the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. In her comments, Semu emphasized that her decision to run stems from a deep belief in her ability to address the country’s most pressing issues, which she believes require new leadership and fresh ideas.
“I’m here today to announce my intention to run for president of Tanzania in 2025,” Semu stated, before outlining the key factors that have motivated her to take this step. She identified several urgent challenges facing the nation, including economic decline, the rising cost of living, youth unemployment, and mismanagement of the country’s natural resources.
One of the main issues Semu highlighted is the country’s slowing economic growth. Referring to the World Bank’s report for 2024, she pointed out that Tanzania’s economic growth rate had dropped from 6.8 percent in 2019 to 4.6 percent in 2023. Semu attributed this downturn to unstable investment policies and weak implementation of development projects.
“The economy is struggling, and the policies in place are not enough to turn things around,” Semu said. “Tanzania needs a new approach one that encourages investment and promotes long-term growth.”
Semu also addressed the rising cost of living, noting that inflation remains a significant concern for many Tanzanians. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, inflation was recorded at 3.1 percent in December 2024, putting additional pressure on households.
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Another key issue for Semu is youth unemployment. Citing a 2019 report by the Research on Poverty Alleviation (REPOA), she pointed out that while around one million young people graduate from school every year, only 250,000 are able to secure jobs. This leaves many graduates struggling to find meaningful employment, with an average wait time of about 5.5 years before securing a job.
“This is a crisis,” Semu said. “Our youth deserve better opportunities. We need to create an environment where they can find jobs and contribute to the economy.”
Semu’s candidacy adds a new dynamic to the upcoming election, as President Samia Suluhu Hassan prepares to seek a second term. As the race heats up, Semu’s focus on tackling the country’s economic challenges, improving the livelihoods of Tanzanians, and addressing youth unemployment is likely to resonate with many voters.
With the election season drawing closer, Semu’s call for change and her promise of a fresh approach to leadership are expected to shape much of the debate in the months ahead.
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