Samia: Experiences that shaped me as a leader

Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Sunday opened up about seven pivotal experiences that have significantly shaped her leadership style, preparing her for the immense responsibility of leading Tanzania.

Speaking during the 23rd graduation ceremony at Mzumbe University in Morogoro Region, she reflected on her political journey, highlighting challenges and milestones that have strengthened her resolve.

“Every stage I have gone through built my capacity, broadened my knowledge and expanded my horizons,” President Hassan noted.

The first key experience she mentioned was the political unrest in Zanzibar in 2001, which disrupted the lives of many Tanzanians.

Despite still being new to politics, she was entrusted with the responsibility of addressing the international community about the crisis and the measures taken to restore peace in the Isles.

“I worked closely with former Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, who was then the Minister of Constitutional Affairs and Good Governance, while I served as the Minister for Labour, Youth Development, Women, and Children,” President Hassan said.

Together, they navigated the situation, culminating in the establishment of the Government of National Unity, which remains a lasting solution to political tensions in Zanzibar.

Her second formative experience came when she served as Vice Chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly, assisting the late Samuel Sitta.

At the time, Sitta was an experienced Speaker of the National Assembly, tasked with overseeing the drafting of Tanzania’s proposed new constitution.

“It was the first time the country organised such a broadly representative assembly,” President Hassan noted.

She had to preside over heated debates involving individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and political affiliations.

Despite boycotts by some political parties, the assembly successfully produced the proposed constitution.

“This process taught me critical lessons about working with large groups of people with varied goals and ideologies,” she added.

The third significant challenge came in 2021 when she ascended to the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli.

“It was a distressing and overwhelming event,” President Hassan said.

Assuming the roles of President, Head of State, and Commander-in-Chief amidst national mourning and for the first time in the country’s history, a woman holding the highest office posed unique challenges.

“This had never been imagined or happened in the 60 years since our country gained independence,” she observed.

Simultaneously, the world was grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, which claimed lives and wreaked havoc on global economies.

As she adjusted to the realities of leading the nation, another crisis erupted – the war between Russia and Ukraine.

“The war, coupled with Covid-19, severely disrupted global supply chains, affecting essential goods in our country, including wheat, fertilizer, and industrial components. It caused a severe shortage.”

To compound matters, monetary policy shifts in the United States triggered a dollar shortage, creating further challenges for international trade.

“All these events unfolded within my first three years in office, at a time when the country was implementing major national projects that required substantial financial resources,” President Hassan explained.

Reflecting on leadership theories, she acknowledged differing opinions: some believe leaders are born, while others argue they are made.

“What I can say is that a good captain is recognised during a storm, not in calm seas. You may be a leader for 20 years but have limited opportunities to lead during crises.”

The Head of State expressed gratitude for the lessons she had gleaned from her various leadership roles, stating, “These experiences have given me the knowledge to serve this nation effectively.”

The President highlighted three core principles underpinning her leadership style.

On inclusivity, she reiterated, “I have often stated that this country belongs to all Tanzanians, and every citizen has the right to contribute to its development.”

Drawing from her experience with Zanzibar’s Government of National Unity, she emphasized the importance of uniting the nation and restoring a sense of patriotism.

“This philosophy inspired the introduction of the 4Rs framework: Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform, and Rebuilding,” President Hassan noted.

Regarding evidence-based decision-making, she stressed the importance of monitoring and evaluation.

“This is key to ensuring that policies are guided by data and address the country’s needs effectively.”

President Hassan underscored the necessity of prioritising national interests in every decision she makes.

“A leader must always consider the broader good of the nation above personal or political interests.”