Recent political transitions in Africa have been marked by significant gender dynamics, yet little is known about these specific power structures within African bureaucracies. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with political actors, focus group discussions, and archival analysis of official documents. During the studied period, women constituted approximately 25% of key decision-making positions in Tanzanian governance, a proportion that varied significantly across different sectors. This study highlights the underrepresentation of women in high-level political roles despite efforts towards gender equality and demonstrates how traditional power structures persist within African bureaucracies. Policy recommendations include fostering inclusive leadership development programmes targeting both men and women, with a focus on enhancing gender-sensitive training for decision-makers.