In the bustling streets of Dar es Salaam and the quiet corners of Dodoma’s parliament, a soft but steady force is at work. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Africa’s only female head of state, is not the kind of leader who raises her voice — but make no mistake, she is being heard.
When she stepped into power in March 2021 after the sudden death of President John Magufuli, many wondered how she would fill the shoes of a man known for his brash leadership and strongman politics. But Suluhu didn’t try to be like him. Instead, she brought her own style — calm, collaborative, and quietly courageous.
A Different Kind of Leadership
President Suluhu, often called “Mama Samia” by Tanzanians, has shown that power doesn’t have to shout to be effective. Her leadership is defined by a soft tone, but her decisions have reshaped the country’s direction.
One of her first major shifts was her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Where Magufuli had downplayed the virus, Suluhu acknowledged its dangers, rolled out vaccines, and re-engaged with the global health community. It was a bold move in a country that had been walking a different path — and it signalled that a new era had begun.
“She brought a breath of fresh air,” says political analyst Asha Mwampamba. “She listens. She consults. It’s not weakness — it’s strength in a different form.”
Walking a Tightrope
Being the first woman to lead Tanzania — and the only female president currently in Africa — brings unique challenges. Suluhu is constantly balancing gender expectations in a society where traditional roles still hold sway.
Some critics say she is too gentle, not decisive enough. But supporters argue that this criticism is steeped in sexism — that if she were a man, the same approach would be seen as thoughtful and inclusive.
“She’s doing something remarkable,” says women’s rights advocate Grace Mwangosi. “She’s leading a country, managing politics, and also challenging deep-rooted ideas about what a leader should look and sound like.”
Carrying – and Redefining – a Legacy
President Suluhu didn’t just inherit a government; she inherited a legacy. Magufuli’s rule was marked by economic nationalism, infrastructure growth, and a heavy-handed stance on dissent. While Suluhu has continued some of his policies, especially on infrastructure and development, she has also taken steps to open up civic space.
Under her leadership, banned newspapers have returned, opposition leaders have been released, and talks of reconciliation have begun. These are small steps, but in a region where democracy often retreats under strongmen, they matter.
“She is not reversing Magufuli’s legacy entirely — she’s reshaping it,” says political historian Dr. Salim Nyundo. “It’s a careful dance. She’s keeping stability while gently steering the ship in a new direction.”
Vision for the Future
Beyond gender and legacy, Suluhu is crafting her own vision. She speaks often of unity, economic progress, and respect for diversity. Her government has prioritised tourism recovery, digital transformation, and building trust with international partners.
But the road ahead is not easy. Tanzania remains a conservative society. The political environment is tough, and some still question whether a woman can fully command the state.
Still, Suluhu doesn’t seem fazed. “Leadership is not about being loud,” she once said in a public address. “It is about listening, about bringing people together, about moving forward.”
A Quiet Storm
In a continent — and world — often dominated by loud politics and louder personalities, Samia Suluhu is proving that there is another way. She is not trying to break the system with force. She is gently, steadily reshaping it from within.
She may not thunder. But like a quiet storm, she moves with purpose, leaving change in her wake.
And Tanzania — along with the rest of Africa — is starting to take notice.
