Tanzania’s Vice President, Philip Mpango, has announced that he will not run alongside President Samia Suluhu Hassan in the next elections. He explained that after many years of serving the nation, he wants to give young leaders a chance to step up.

Speaking on February 11, 2025, at the opening of the e-Government Annual Conference, Dr. Mpango, 68, reflected on his long career in public service. He acknowledged the growing number of young Tanzanians who have the ability to contribute to the country’s leadership.

Dr. Mpango has held several key positions, including 14 years as a university lecturer, five years at the World Bank, and various government roles under former President Jakaya Kikwete. He has also worked as the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Treasury, spent six years as the Permanent Secretary for Planning, led the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), and served more than five years as Minister for Finance. For the past four years, he has been the country’s Vice President.

President Hassan confirmed Dr. Mpango’s decision during a special meeting of the ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), where she was officially chosen as the party’s candidate for the 2025 presidential elections. Dr. Mpango stated that he believes it is time for others to take on leadership roles.

"Throughout my career, I have held several important positions, and not many Tanzanians get such an opportunity. That is why I have chosen to step aside and let others take the lead," he said.

He referred to the 2022 national population census, which revealed that about 77% of Tanzanians are young. He believes the best way to support them is to create space for them to grow into leadership roles.

"With Tanzania’s population nearing 64 million, and the majority being young and talented, I trust that capable young Tanzanians are ready to help lead the nation," he added.

At the conference, Dr. Mpango also called on public institutions to enhance their cybersecurity measures to protect digital systems from cyber threats.

"The e-Government Agency should work closely with the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) and security agencies to secure our digital platforms and fight cybercrime. This is especially important now as the government promotes system interoperability for better information sharing," he emphasized.

He also instructed public institution leaders to follow laws and regulations governing e-government practices. Additionally, he directed the responsible ministry’s permanent secretary to strengthen the national technology research center to boost innovation and improve public service efficiency.

Government Commitment to Digital Transformation

Minister of State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, George Simbachawene, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to advancing technology. He stated that integrating public institutions would reduce costs and improve service delivery.

"We aim to have all regional and district administrative meetings conducted digitally instead of using paper. This will enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability," he noted.

However, he acknowledged that some challenges remain, such as the absence of a unified national identification system from birth and limited ICT infrastructure expansion in some areas.

The director general of the e-Government Agency, Benedict Ndomba, reported that efforts to improve ICT systems are ongoing to ensure better public service delivery.

Expanding Digital Access for Citizens

Joseph Mhagama, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Governance, Constitution, and Legal Affairs, highlighted that Parliament is benefiting from ICT advancements. He encouraged the government to continue developing digital solutions to improve access to services for citizens.

The conference brought together over 1,300 ICT professionals from various sectors to discuss ways to enhance e-government systems and digital security across Tanzania.