Dar es Salaam. Eleven years ago, he was known as one of Tanzania’s most recognisable television news anchors and later as a senior corporate affairs manager in the country’s telecommunications sector.
Today, Salum Mwalimu Juma is campaigning to become the President of the United Republic of Tanzania under the Chama cha Ukombozi wa Umma (Chaumma) ticket.
Mr Mwalimu, who describes himself as the “President of the Youth” is promising a presidency that symbolises simplicity and accessibility. His campaign image is built around T-shirts and jeans, attire commonly associated with young people.
He says this is not a gimmick but a deliberate signal that he wants to lead in a manner that connects directly with ordinary Tanzanians. “I will be a president of the streets more than of the office,” he has told his supporters.
“My presidency will be accessible, from the streets to State House. You’ll find me in T-shirts and jeans, connecting with the youth.”
journalism to corporate boardrooms
Mr Mwalimu’s path to politics was unusual. Born on 24 November 1979 in Zanzibar to a naval officer father, Mwalimu Juma Mwalimu, and a celebrated journalist mother, Fauziyat Ismail Aboud, he grew up moving between different regions and schools.
His mother made history as the first woman news anchor at ITV after beginning her career at Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam.
That background exposed him to communication early in life, and by the age of 23 he was already a television news anchor with Channel 10.
His polished delivery and commanding presence won him respect in the media industry, where he worked for eight years.
In 2011, he crossed into the corporate world, joining Vodacom Tanzania as External Affairs Manager. The move enhanced his reputation as a skilled communicator and gave him experience in institutional leadership and public engagement.
Education and qualifications
While working, Mr Mwalimu invested heavily in education. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information and Communication Technology from the Institute of Finance Management (IFM), followed by a Master’s in Public Communication from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC), University of Dar es Salaam, in partnership with the International Institute of Business Studies (IIBS) in Bangalore, India.
In 2012, he returned to IFM for a Master’s in International Business Management, graduating in 2014. He now holds two Master’s degrees and an advanced diploma, combining technical, communication and managerial expertise.
Entry into politics
Mr Mwalimu’s entry into politics came in September 2014 when Chadema, then the main opposition party, appointed him Deputy Secretary General (Zanzibar). He served in that position for 11 years, working closely with then-chairman Freeman Mbowe.
At the time, many were surprised by his decision to leave a promising corporate career. But those who knew him well say he was motivated by a desire to contribute to political reform rather than pursue personal gain.
His time in Chadema saw him contest several elections. In 2015, he ran unsuccessfully for parliament in Zanzibar’s Kikwajuni constituency. In 2017, he was nominated for the East African Legislative Assembly but was not elected.
A year later, he contested the Kinondoni parliamentary by-election, which had been triggered by the defection of then-MP Maulid Mtulia to CCM. Again, he was unsuccessful.
Brushes with the law
Like many opposition figures, Mr Mwalimu has experienced the weight of state power. In 2018, he was among Chadema leaders charged over an unauthorised demonstration during which a student, Akwilina Akwilini, was tragically killed.
He was sentenced to five months in prison or a fine of Sh350 million. Contributions from Tanzanians across the country raised the money, and he was released.
This episode, his supporters say, gave him credibility as someone who has faced the risks and hardships of opposition politics.
Running mate in 2020
In the 2020 General Election, Mr Mwalimu was thrust further into the national spotlight when he was named running mate to Chadema presidential candidate Tundu Lissu.
The pair campaigned under difficult conditions, but the experience cemented his reputation as a national political figure.
Shift to Chaumma
After Chadema elected Tundu Lissu as chairman in January 2025 and restructured its leadership, Mr Mwalimu was dropped from the secretary-general team. In May 2025, he joined Chaumma and was almost immediately elected Secretary General.
By August, the party’s General Assembly had endorsed him as its presidential candidate for the 2025 General Election, signalling a rapid rise in his new political home.
Chaumma leaders describe him as the party’s best chance of breaking through in a competitive election. For them, Mr Mwalimu represents a generational shift and an opportunity to present a youthful, energetic image to voters.
The “President of the Youth”
Political branding has long been part of Tanzanian campaigns. In 2020, Chaumma’s then-candidate Hashim Rungwe focused on food security and school feeding programmes. Today, under Mr Mwalimu, the party has pivoted towards appealing directly to young people.
His chosen image is of a youthful, approachable leader who lives like the majority of Tanzanians. The promise of T-shirts and jeans in State House has become a rallying cry among his supporters, especially in urban areas where young people make up a significant portion of the electorate.
Beyond symbolism, Mr Mwalimu has been advocating for policies that prioritise employment, affordable education, youth entrepreneurship, and fair access to technology.
His campaign speeches often emphasise that leadership must be closer to communities and responsive to everyday struggles.
Challenges ahead
Despite his appeal to younger voters, analysts note that Chaumma remains a relatively small party compared to CCM and Chadema. Mr Mwalimu will need to convince the public not only of his personal credibility but also of his party’s ability to govern.
Still, his career trajectory, from the newsroom to corporate offices, from Chadema to Chaumma, and now to the presidential campaign trail, underscores both his resilience and adaptability.
For Mr Mwalimu, the 2025 election is more than a contest for power; it is a chance to redefine what Tanzanian leadership looks like. He frames himself as a new kind of politician: youthful, relatable and unburdened by the trappings of traditional politics.
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