Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has nominated Deogratius John Ndejembi as its candidate for Vice President, following the resignation of Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi, effective September 4, 2026. The party’s Central Committee, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, reached this decision on Wednesday, August 26.
The 43-year-old Ndejembi will succeed Nchimbi, who held the position for approximately 10 months, provided he’s approved through the constitutional process. This appointment would make Ndejembi Tanzania’s 13th Vice President since independence and one of the youngest politicians to hold the country’s second-highest office.
Ndejembi served as a manager at A1 Outdoor in 2012 before working as Head of Sales at Smile Communication from 2012 to 2014. He subsequently joined Tigo as a Regional Manager in 2014 until 2015, before becoming Head of Marketing at GSM Group in 2016. Parliamentary records indicate that Ndejembi’s involvement with the CCM began at a young age. From 2008 to 2017, he served on the National Council of the CCM Youth League, subsequently holding positions in the party’s General Council and Political Committee at various levels.
His transition into government began in 2016 with his appointment as District Commissioner for Kongwa, Dodoma, a position he held until 2020. That year, Ndejembi was elected Member of Parliament for Chamwino, leading to a series of senior government appointments.
From 2021 to 2023, he served as Deputy Minister in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance. He subsequently transferred to the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, serving as Deputy Minister from 2023 to 2024.
In 2024, he was appointed Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office for Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, before moving to the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, where he served as Minister until 2025. Following the 2025 general election, President Samia appointed him Minister for Energy, placing him in charge of one of Tanzania’s most strategically important economic sectors. In this role, Ndejembi oversaw electricity generation and distribution, as well as the oil and gas sectors.
He has represented Tanzania in energy-related engagements with other countries, including Zambia, specifically regarding petroleum and gas cooperation. His public record reflects a progression through various leadership roles: the private sector, district administration, Parliament, deputy ministerial positions, and full cabinet responsibility.
He attended Cannon Andrea Mwaka Primary School from 1988 to 1995 and Kigurunyembe Secondary School from 1996 to 1998. He studied at Merton College from 2002 to 2004, subsequently earning a degree in International Relations from the University of Lincoln between 2006 and 2009. From 2009 to 2012, he completed advanced studies at an institute specializing in administrative management.
This combination of international relations training, private-sector experience, and years in government could prove significant should he assume the Vice Presidency, an office with responsibilities extending beyond a single ministry.
Ndejembi has not traditionally been among the most prominent national political figures within the CCM. Much of his public profile has emerged through government appointments, particularly over the past several years.
