When Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed office as President of the United Republic of Tanzania on March 19, 2021, following the death of President John Pombe Magufuli, she made history as the country’s first female president. This was a monumental moment for Tanzania, where women, despite making up nearly half the population, remained underrepresented in leadership, holding just 37% of parliamentary seats as of 2023.
For four years and counting, Hassan’s leadership has driven remarkable transformation in economic growth, gender equality, and political transparency. Under her stewardship, Tanzania’s GDP surged from $69.7 billion in 2021 to $85.42 billion by 2023, with projections from the IMF placing the country’s economy at $136 billion by 2028. Hassan has also reversed restrictive policies, allowed opposition rallies, promoted press freedom, and poured resources into infrastructure to ensure roads, railways, and airports are in top condition.
Initiating policies to drive Tanzania’s progress
1. Reconciliation and Political Reforms
President Hassan has taken bold steps to reverse many of her predecessor’s repressive policies to encourage political freedom. She lifted bans on political rallies and media by engaging in reconciliation talks with the opposition. These reforms have opened up Tanzania’s civic and political space, allowing for more democratic engagement and transparency.
2. Education and Healthcare Expansion
Hassan’s administration has prioritised economic justice and social equity. It has waived fees in government schools to ensure that children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can access education. She has also expanded access to healthcare, strengthening Tanzania’s public health system to benefit more citizens.
3. Economic Development and Financial Growth
Tanzania’s economic transformation under Hassan has been fueled by modernising the agricultural sector, increasing access to finance for SMEs, and promoting trade liberalisation. These policies have positioned Tanzania as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, with a real GDP growth rate of 5%. Key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing have played a significant role in this expansion.
Gender-inclusive policies empowering women
Since taking office, Hassan has actively pushed for gender-inclusive policies to create greater opportunities for Tanzanian women. For example, she lifted the ban on pregnant girls returning to school, granting thousands of young women a second chance at education. She also doubled female representation in government by appointing more female ministers and ensuring women held significant decision-making positions.
Furthermore, Samia Suluhu Hassan advocates for women entrepreneurs to have improved access to financial resources and a more significant role in intra-African trade. This alone has reinforced their participation in Tanzania’s evolving economy.
Her leadership has demonstrated the importance of inclusive governance and inspires other nations to reconsider their gender policies. Samia Suluhu Hassan demonstrates that strategic leadership, inclusive policies, and accurate economics can bring long-term prosperity to Africa.
