Professional History: January Makamba is a political leader and former cabinet minister from Tanzania. He is a Member of Parliament and has served in government as Deputy Minister for Communication, Science, and Technology and later as Minister for Environment and Union Affairs. He has also served as ruling party (CCM) Secretary (Director) for Political Affairs and International Relations and been a member of both the Central Committee and National Executive Committee of the Party. He is a Member of Parliament for the Bumbuli constituency.

Prior to joining the government, January worked with the Carter Center, an initiative led by President Jimmy Carter. His prior experience includes work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), where he secured an International Human Rights Fellowship. After his time with the Carter Center and UNHCR, he moved back to Tanzania and joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Foreign Service Officer. After the then Foreign Minister of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete won the presidential elections in 2005, January joined the administration as President Kikwete's senior aide. In 2014, he became the youngest person to run in the primary for Prime Minister in his party. He beat CCM party veterans, including former Prime Ministers, and a Vice President.

January was instrumental in the launch of the Bumbuli Development Corporation, which has been seen as an innovative model to foster economic development in his constituency.

Academic and professional credentials: Bachelors degree in Peace Studies at St John's University, Minnesota
MSc in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, Virginia

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