Hafidh died at about 8:00 a.m. at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, according to Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who announced his death and expressed condolences to President Samia, the family and the Tanzanian people. Funeral arrangements are underway in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, the family’s home area.
The death brings a deeply personal loss to President Samia, who had been married to Hafidh for decades. The couple married in 1978, before Samia entered the highest levels of national politics, and they had four children together — three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is involved in politics and serves in Zanzibar’s House of Representatives.
Hafidh was known for keeping a relatively private life, even after his wife became one of Tanzania’s most prominent political figures. He was an agricultural academic and retired agricultural officer, with much of his professional life centred on agriculture rather than politics. Unlike the spouses of many prominent political leaders, he rarely sought public attention and was only occasionally seen alongside President Samia at official events.
His public significance increased considerably in March 2021, when Samia became president following the death of President John Magufuli. Her assumption of office made her Tanzania’s first female president and made Hafidh the country’s first First Gentleman, a historic position created by the circumstances of her presidency.
Despite holding that historic position, Hafidh largely remained outside the political spotlight. His low public profile meant that relatively little was known about his personal life compared with the extensive public attention surrounding his wife’s political career. His role was therefore more closely associated with his family and his support for President Samia than with any political responsibilities of his own.
President Samia’s political journey had taken her from public service in Zanzibar to national leadership. She served as Tanzania’s vice-president under Magufuli before succeeding him in 2021. She later won the 2025 presidential election and is currently serving a second term.
News of Hafidh’s death has prompted condolences from leaders across Africa. Kenyan President William Ruto described him as President Samia’s lifelong companion, a beloved father to their children and a distinguished son of Tanzania. Ruto said Kenya stood with Tanzania and the bereaved family during the period of mourning.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also expressed condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania. He conveyed sympathy to the family and wished President Samia strength, courage and comfort following the loss.
Other African leaders have also joined the expressions of sympathy as news of the death spread across the region. The response reflects Hafidh’s position not only as the husband of Tanzania’s president but also as a figure who became part of the country’s political history when Samia became its first woman president.
For President Samia, the death marks the loss of a husband and lifelong companion with whom she shared the years before and during her rise through public service. Their marriage began long before her presidency and continued through her transformation from a Zanzibar political figure and national government official into Tanzania’s first female head of state.
Hafidh’s death also closes the chapter on his historic role as Tanzania’s first First Gentleman. Although he remained largely private throughout his life, his position became significant because of the unprecedented nature of his wife’s presidency.
Funeral arrangements are expected to take place in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, as President Samia, her children, relatives and Tanzanians mourn Hafidh Ameir Hassan.
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