TANZANIA: On Sunday night, July 21, 2024, social media platforms were buzzing, with those lucky enough to have an internet bundles discussing the new appointees and the sacked ones.
It was immediately after the State House in Dodoma released a statement indicating that Tanzania’s ambassador to Italy, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, has been appointed as the country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation to fill the vacuum left by Mr. January Makamba, whose appointment was revoked by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
With several new faces popping up in the Head of State’s list, the Daily News Digital’s focus is on Ambassador Kombo, who is set to lead the Foreign Affairs docket.
Who is Mahmoud Thabit Kombo?
Born in Zanzibar, Mr. Kombo began his educational journey at Saateni Nursery School from 1973 to 1980 on the Islands. He then continued to Tumekuja Primary School, where he completed his primary education in 1984.
For his secondary education, Mr. Kombo attended Hamamni Secondary School from 1985 to 1988 and Lumumba College from 1988 to 1990.
Thereafter, he pursued higher education at the University of Sunderland in the UK, earning a B.A. in Business Accounting and Computing from 1991 to 1995.
Mr. Kombo further advanced his studies with an MSc in Applied ICT and AI from Cables and Wireless College, UK, in 1996 and later obtained an M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Geneva School of Diplomacy between 2011 and 2013.
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He began his professional career as a Commercial Manager at Datel Tz Ltd from 1996 to 1998, and then served as an Operation Manager at Micronix Computers from 1998 to 1999.
His role in the President’s Office, Labour, SMT as an ICT Officer and Principal Information System Officer from 1999 to 2001 showcased his expertise in information technology.
He then joined Zantel, where he held the position of Operations Manager/Business Operations Manager from 2001 to 2004.
Venturing into politics
In the political arena, Mr. Kombo has been actively involved with the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, serving as a NEC Member from 2005 to 2010 and as a Member of the District and Regional Political Committee from 2005 to 2016.
He was also the Treasurer for the District and a member of the Campaigning Committee in Zanzibar and Tanzania during 2015-2016.
He has been a Member of the House of Representatives since 2005.
In the government sector, Mr. Kombo has served in various capacities.
From 2006 to 2010, he was the Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, and Sports in Zanzibar.
He then became the Deputy Minister for Health in Zanzibar from 2013 to 2016, and subsequently, the Minister of Health from March 2016 to the present. In 2024, Mr. Kombo was appointed as Tanzania’s Ambassador to Italy.
After serving in different positions, Mr. Kombo’s name came up again on Sunday, July 22, 2024, when it was announced that the Head of State, Dr. Samia, appointed him as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.