Deogratius Ndejembi: From Business Executive to Tanzania’s Vice-President 

Hon. Deogratius John Ndejembi has risen through Tanzania’s private sector, public administration and political structures to become the country’s Vice-President. Born in Tanzania, Ndejembi began his professional career in the private sector, working in sales, marketing and management roles at companies including A1 Outdoor, Smile Communication, Tigo and GSM Group. He entered government in 2016, when he was appointed District Commissioner for Kongwa in Dodoma, gaining experience in local administration and the implementation of government programmes before moving into national politics. He was elected Member of Parliament for Chamwino on a Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) ticket in 2020, marking the start of his parliamentary career.  

Ndejembi subsequently held a series of government roles under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. In 2021, he was appointed Deputy Minister in the President’s Office responsible for Public Service Management and Good Governance, and in 2023 moved to the President’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government. He later served as Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, followed by an appointment as Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development.  

His movement across these sectors gave him experience in public service administration, local government, labour and employment policy, land management and housing, before he was appointed Minister for Energy after the 2025 general election.  

In August 2026, Ndejembi’s political career peaked when CCM nominated him to become Vice-President following Emmanuel Nchimbi’s resignation. Parliament approved his nomination on 28 August 2026, and he was sworn in on 29 August. He therefore moved directly from the Energy Ministry to the Vice-Presidency, making him one of the senior figures in President Samia’s administration. His career to date has combined private-sector management, district administration, parliamentary service and Cabinet responsibilities across several policy areas, culminating in his appointment to Tanzania’s second-highest constitutional office.