The Energy Minister is set to replace Emmanuel Nchimbi, whose resignation and expulsion from the ruling party have triggered a rapid change at the top of government.
Dodoma, Tanzania (Running Africa) — Tanzania’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has selected Energy Minister Deogratius John Ndejembi as its candidate for vice president following the surprise resignation of Emmanuel Nchimbi.
CCM’s National Executive Committee unanimously endorsed Ndejembi on Wednesday, positioning the 43-year-old politician to become Tanzania’s next vice president.
His nomination must still receive parliamentary approval before he can formally assume the country’s second-highest political office.
The decision comes as Nchimbi prepares to leave office on September 4 after announcing his retirement from politics, bringing an unexpected end to his brief tenure as vice president.
CCM Selects Deogratius Ndejembi for Tanzania Vice President
CCM’s National Executive Committee backed Ndejembi unanimously, moving quickly to identify a potential successor following Nchimbi’s resignation.
The nomination now moves to Parliament, where lawmakers will consider his appointment in accordance with Tanzania’s constitutional process.
With CCM holding significant influence in Parliament, the process will determine whether Ndejembi formally becomes the country’s next vice president.
His selection also represents another rapid promotion for a politician whose rise through Tanzania’s government has largely occurred over the past decade.
Who Is Deogratius John Ndejembi?
Ndejembi currently serves as Tanzania’s Energy Minister and represents the Chamwino constituency in Parliament.
His government career began gaining momentum in 2016, when he was appointed a district commissioner.
He entered Parliament in 2020 and subsequently served as a deputy minister before taking responsibility for several government portfolios.
Ndejembi was appointed Energy Minister in 2025, placing him in charge of a sector central to Tanzania’s infrastructure and economic development ambitions.
His nomination for vice president now puts him on course for his most senior government role to date.
Ndejembi Studied International Relations in the UK
Before his political career, Ndejembi worked in the private sector, including positions in telecommunications and marketing.
He later pursued studies in International Relations at the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom.
His combination of private-sector experience, parliamentary service, and government positions has accompanied a relatively rapid progression through Tanzania’s political establishment.
At 43, Ndejembi would also represent a younger generation within the senior ranks of the Tanzanian government.
Emmanuel Nchimbi to Leave Office on September 4
Ndejembi’s nomination follows the unexpected resignation of Emmanuel Nchimbi, who announced that he would leave the vice presidency and retire from active politics and public service.
Nchimbi’s resignation takes effect on September 4.
His departure created a vacancy in Tanzania’s second-highest office and prompted CCM to begin selecting a replacement.
The ruling party has since also expelled Nchimbi, citing alleged violations of party discipline and ethics.
Parliamentary Approval Is Next for Ndejembi
Attention now turns to Parliament, where Ndejembi’s nomination must be approved before he can take office.
If confirmed, he would move from the Energy Ministry to the vice presidency after just over a decade in senior public and political roles.
His selection also comes at a time of significant change in Tanzania’s political leadership, following Nchimbi’s resignation and subsequent expulsion from CCM.
For now, Deogratius Ndejembi remains CCM’s nominee for Tanzania’s vice presidency, with parliamentary approval standing between the 43-year-old Energy Minister and the country’s second-highest office.
