By Dr. Ally Simba
As the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) concluded its two-day Extra-ordinary General Assembly in Dodoma on May 30, 2025, the nation was not merely presented with a new political document, it received a renewed commitment to continuity, transformation, and visionary leadership.
The approval of CCM’s 2025–2030 Election Manifesto marks a defining moment as Tanzania prepares for the October General Elections.
To understand the significance of this new chapter, we must first look back at the journey that brought us here.
A Monumental Mandate (2020–2025)
The 2020–2025 CCM Manifesto was bold and ambitious. Spanning over 300 pages across 10 chapters, it laid out a grand vision rooted in the party’s enduring principles like justice, equality, unity, and self-reliance.
It focused on economic transformation, modern infrastructure, and people-centered governance.
The goals were far-reaching: 8 million new jobs, revitalized industries, electrification of rural areas, universal access to clean water, enhanced healthcare and education, and empowerment for youth, women, and people with disabilities.
It aligned with national frameworks like Tanzania Vision 2025 and Zanzibar Vision 2050, while emphasizing environmental stewardship, sovereignty, and technological innovation.
The results were extraordinary. By 2025, Tanzania attained middle-income status—five years ahead of schedule. Rural electricity coverage expanded to all 12,318 villages, up from 10,312 in 2021.
Clean water access surpassed 83% in rural areas and 91% in urban settings. Enrollment in education rose, and access to essential medicines improved significantly.
Strategic projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, and the revitalization of Air Tanzania, redefined the country’s capabilities.
These were not just promises. They became reality.
A Leadership Anchored in Integrity
When Her Excellency President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed office in March 2021, following the untimely passing of President John Pombe Magufuli, she faced a choice.
Many leaders across the continent might have discarded the existing manifesto to chart a new path of their own.
But President Samia chose fidelity over ego. She upheld the manifesto she inherited, accelerating its implementation with compassion, clarity, and strategic foresight.
From completing megaprojects to opening the country to foreign investment, revitalizing tourism, enhancing diplomacy, and initiating digital reforms, she went beyond expectations.
In doing so, she proved that governance is not about rewriting history, but about honoring a covenant with the people. Her leadership exemplified continuity with innovation—setting the stage not just for a new chapter, but for a new legacy.
A Vision of Her Own
The newly approved 2025–2030 CCM Manifesto is the first authored entirely under President Samia’s leadership. It is more concise, more focused, and more accessible—but it does not compromise on ambition.
What sets this manifesto apart is its foundation. It is built from the grassroots, shaped by wide consultations with farmers, youth, women, scholars, civil society, private sector actors, faith groups, and communities across every region of Tanzania.
It speaks directly to the people’s realities and aspirations. It reflects President Samia’s leadership philosophy of “Kazi na Utu”, work with dignity.
If she was a steward of the previous manifesto, this one is her signature. It reflects her vision, her priorities, and the legacy she intends to leave for generations to come.
A Daughter’s Inspiration
When my 11-year-old daughter, Rafat Simba, began writing a book titled “The First Female President”, inspired by President Samia, I was deeply moved. What did she see that I had yet to fully grasp?
After spending two days at the vibrant Congress in Dodoma, I understood. President Samia's courage, vision, and calm strength are not just remarkable, they are transformational.
That my daughter recognized this before I did only deepened my admiration. She saw the moment for what it truly is: a turning point in our history.
Grounding Politics in People’s Lives
A remarkable feature of the 2025–2030 manifesto is its region-specific approach. Every region will receive a tailored breakdown of priorities, ensuring local needs are not only heard, but addressed.
This reinforces a fundamental truth: politics is always local. Development must be community-based, not just announced from podiums in the capital.
The Pillars of Progress
The new manifesto stands on powerful, focused pillars:
Modern, inclusive, and competitive economic transformation, anchored in value addition to domestic resources, Expansion of youth employment, enhanced household incomes, and poverty reduction and Improvement of social services and quality of life, including healthcare and education.
Also, Development of transport and logistics infrastructure to support national and regional trade, Promotion of science, technology, and innovation for sustainable growth, Protection of democracy and good governance, grounded in transparency and accountability and Investment in arts, culture, and creative industries as engines of identity and prosperity.
This manifesto is ambitious in scope but practical in execution—a roadmap that dreams boldly but delivers realistically.
Read It. Own It. Defend It.
As we approach the October 2025 elections, CCM members, leaders, aspiring MPs, youth and women wings, and supporters must take this manifesto to heart. Read it. Understand it. Be ready to defend it with knowledge, conviction, and humility.
The Future Starts Now
With the popularity and proven leadership of President Samia and her running mate, Dr. Emmanuel John Nchimbi, there is every reason to believe that CCM will secure a decisive victory. But celebrations must be followed by preparation.
What I witnessed in and outside the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Center—cheers, songs, and optimism, must now transform into discipline, planning, and execution.
This manifesto is a contract with the people. We must all rise to fulfill it.
As I sign off, I offer my respect and full support to you, Madam President. You have inspired millions, young and old. Let us walk with you into a future shaped by dignity, opportunity, and unity.
And as they would say in Portuguese: “A luta continua.” Mapambano bado
yanaendelea... Kazi na Utu, Tunasonga Mbele.
Dr. Ally
Yahaya Simba is an Executive Director, East African Communications
Organization (EACO) based in Kigali, Rwanda and Member of CCM National Congress - Morogoro Urban who was in
Dodoma to attend CCM National Congress.