Samia appoints Dr Mpango, Majaliwa as her advisors

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan, has appointed the former Vice President, Dr Philip Mpango, as the Presidential Advisor on Economic Affairs and Projects, and former Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa as the Presidential Advisor on Social Affairs.

Speaking today, January 10, 2026, at State House in Dar es Salaam, President Samia said the appointment of these advisors was among the reasons that led her to make changes to the Cabinet, including appointing the former Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, as Minister of State in the President’s Office for Special Duties.

President Samia made the remarks during a ceremony held to congratulate various athletes, including players of the national football team, Taifa Stars, following their success in reaching the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

She explained that although the main objective of the event was to congratulate the athletes, it also served as a special occasion to bid farewell to Professor Kabudi from the Ministry of Sports and officially welcome him to State House.

“Although today is a day to congratulate athletes who performed well, including my Taifa Stars team, this event has also been a special moment to bid farewell to Professor Kabudi from sports and welcome him to State House,” President Samia said.

She added that the President’s Office requires leaders with broad experience, deep knowledge, and strong communication skills to manage sensitive national matters.

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“At State House, I need a mature mind with wide knowledge and extensive experience—someone who can express themselves clearly and make issues well understood. I reviewed the entire government and saw that Professor Kabudi would suit me,” she said.

President Samia emphasized that the appointment of her principal advisors requires individuals who are calm and wise enough to work closely with them, noting that Professor Kabudi possesses such qualities.

“Recently, I appointed presidential advisors. I appointed the former Vice President as advisor on economic affairs and projects, and the former Prime Minister as advisor on social affairs. These great minds need someone calm and wise to work with them, and Professor Kabudi can do that,” President Samia said.

These changes continue to signal President Samia’s efforts to strengthen the performance of the President’s Office and improve coordination of national affairs by drawing on the experience of senior leaders who have previously held top government positions.