List of Presidents of Tanzania: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Tanzania from 1962 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Tanzania, former leaders, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Tanzania: Samia Suluhu Hassan (in office since 2021).

Presidents of Tanzania in order, with years in office

Julius Nyerere

Served: 1962–1985

Led Tanganyika to independence, became president in 1962 and of Tanzania after the 1964 union with Zanzibar; retired in 1985.

Ali Hassan Mwinyi

Served: 1985–1995

Eased state control of the economy and encouraged private enterprise.

Benjamin Mkapa

Served: 1995–2005

Known for anti-corruption efforts and tight public spending; died in 2020.

Jakaya Kikwete

Served: 2005–2015

Served two terms after a long career as foreign minister.

John Magufuli

Served: 2015–2021

Died in office on 17 March 2021.

Samia Suluhu Hassan

Served: 2021–present

Sworn in on 19 March 2021 as Tanzania's first female president, after Magufuli's death.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Tanzania

Who is the current president of Tanzania?

The current president of Tanzania is Samia Suluhu Hassan, in office since 2021.

Who were the previous presidents of Tanzania?

The presidents and heads of state of Tanzania listed on this page, in order, are: Julius Nyerere, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Benjamin Mkapa, Jakaya Kikwete, John Magufuli, Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Who was the first president of Tanzania?

Julius Nyerere was the first president of Tanzania, in office 1962–1985.

Sources: Wikipedia, List of heads of state of Tanzania; Wikipedia, President of Tanzania (checked Nov 2026). Tanzania has had six presidents.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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