January Makamba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
January Makamba
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| Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation | |
| In office 1 September 2023 – 21 July 2024 |
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| President | Samia Suluhu |
| Preceded by | Stergomena Tax |
| Succeeded by | Mahmoud Thabit Kombo |
| 2nd Minister of Energy | |
| In office 12 September 2021 – 31 August 2023 |
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| President | Samia Suluhu |
| Preceded by | Medard Kalemani |
| Succeeded by | Doto Biteko |
| Minister of State in the Vice President's Office |
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| In office 12 December 2015 – 21 July 2019 |
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| President | John Magufuli |
| Succeeded by | George Simbachawene |
| Deputy Minister of Communication, Science and Technology |
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| In office 7 May 2012 – 5 November 2015 |
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| Minister | Makame Mbarawa |
| Preceded by | Charles Kitwanga |
| Member of Parliament for Bumbuli |
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| Assumed office November 2010 |
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| Preceded by | William Shellukindo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 28 January 1974 Singida, Tanzania |
| Political party | CCM |
| Spouse | Ramona Urassa |
| Relations | Yusuf Makamba (father) |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Dar es Salaam |
| Alma mater | St. John’s University George Mason University |
January Yusuf Makamba is a well-known politician from Tanzania. He was born on January 28, 1974. He is a member of the CCM political party. Since 2010, he has been a Member of Parliament for the Bumbuli area.
Contents
Early Life and Education
January Makamba was born in the Singida Region of Tanzania. He is the oldest of four children. His father, Yusuf Makamba, was a very important person in the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. His mother, Josephine, is from the Missenyi District.
January spent his early childhood in his family's village of Mahezangulu. This village is in the Lushoto District. He also spent time at his grandmother's village in the Kagera Region.
Schooling and University Studies
January Makamba went to Handeni and Galanos secondary schools. He also studied at Forest Hill High School. Later, he went to Quincy College in the United States for a first course.
He then moved to Saint John's University in Minnesota. There, he studied Peace Studies. After that, he worked as an intern at the Carter Center. In 2004, he earned his master's degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. He got this degree from George Mason University.
Starting His Career
When January Makamba returned to Tanzania, he joined the Foreign Ministry. He worked as a Foreign Service Officer. At that time, Jakaya Kikwete was the Foreign Minister. Mr. Kikwete later ran for president in 2005.
Makamba joined Mr. Kikwete's campaign team. He traveled all over the country to help with the election. After Mr. Kikwete won the election, January Makamba became his special assistant. He worked in this role for five years, until 2010.
Political Journey
In 2010, January Makamba decided to run for Member of Parliament. He ran for the constituency of Bumbuli, which is his home area. He was elected without anyone running against him. In the Parliament, he led the Committee for Energy and Minerals.
Party Leadership Roles
In 2011, January Makamba took on a new role in the CCM party. He became the Political Affairs and International Relations Secretary. He held this position until 2012. He was also chosen as one of the ten members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) from mainland Tanzania.
Government Appointments
In May 2012, the President Kikwete appointed January Makamba as a Deputy Minister. He worked in the Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology.
In 2014, January Makamba took part in the Ice Bucket Challenge. He chose to donate money to help patients with obstetric fistula in Tanzania. He gave 1,000,000 Tanzanian shillings, which was about US$600 at the time.
Running for President in 2015
In 2014, January Makamba announced that he planned to run for president. He was the first person to say he would try for the top job in the 2015 election.
During his campaign, a book was written about him. It was called 40 Questions 40 Answers: A Conversation with January Makamba. The book talked about his ideas for a "New Tanzania." His main goal was to create more jobs for people. He also wanted to improve social services and good governance.
January Makamba was the youngest of the top five candidates in the CCM presidential race. Even though he didn't win the nomination, he was re-elected as Member of Parliament for Bumbuli. He won with 84% of the votes. He also helped with the CCM presidential campaign. He was a spokesperson and managed the party's communications.
Cabinet Positions Held
In December 2015, January Makamba was appointed as a Minister of State. He worked in the Vice President’s Office, focusing on Union Affairs and Environment.
On September 12, 2021, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed him as the Minister of Energy. He served in this role until August 31, 2023.
After a cabinet change on September 1, 2023, January Makamba became the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation. He held this position until July 21, 2024. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo then took over this role.
Personal Life
January Makamba is a Muslim. He is married to Ramona, and they have two children. He loves football and supports several teams. These include Simba S.C., Coastal Union, Chelsea, and Real Madrid.
Awards and Recognition
- 2013: Named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum
- 2013: Received the Democracy Award from the National Democratic Institute
- 2014: Listed among the 10 Most Powerful Men In Africa by Forbes Magazine
