Hafidh Ameir died at about 8am at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he had been undergoing treatment, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced on Monday.
In a statement conveying the news, Ndejembi expressed condolences to President Samia, the family, relatives and friends of the late Ameir, as well as the people of Tanzania.
Funeral arrangements were immediately put in place in Kizimkazi, in southern Zanzibar, the family's home area. The burial was scheduled for Monday afternoon, with government, political and religious leaders expected to attend the funeral.
A life in teaching and agriculture
Ameir, who was born in Zanzibar in 1946, spent much of his professional life in education and agriculture. He trained as a teacher before moving into agricultural work, later pursuing further studies in agricultural machinery engineering in Britain.
After returning to Zanzibar, he worked with the Ministry of Agriculture until his retirement in 2005. He subsequently continued teaching at Kizimbani Agricultural College in Unguja, where he remained associated with agricultural education.
Ameir married Samia in 1978 and the couple had four children. He largely maintained a private life away from the political spotlight, despite his wife's rise through Tanzania's political leadership.
He became Tanzania's First Gentleman in March 2021, when Samia assumed the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli. She became the country's first woman to serve as president.
Regional leaders mourn
News of Ameir's death has drawn condolences from leaders across the region.
Kenyan President William Ruto described him as President Samia's lifelong companion and a beloved father, while expressing Kenya's solidarity with Tanzania during the mourning period.
Other regional leaders have also conveyed messages of sympathy following the death.
Ameir's death comes as President Samia continues her second term as Tanzania's head of state. His funeral in Kizimkazi brought together senior government officials, religious leaders, former presidents and other political figures to pay their final respects.
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