His father, Yusuf Makamba, a stalwart of the country's dominant ruling party, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and had served as its Secretary General.

He attended Quincy College in Massachusetts, United States for a preliminary course before transferring to Saint John's University in Minnesota, where he majored in Peace Studies.

His formal title was Personal Assistant to the President – Special Duties (PAP-SD); a position that he would serve for five years until 2010.

[7] Makamba was also elected as one of the ten members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) from the mainland part of the country.

[16] On 9 July 2014, President Kikwete whilst on a four-day official tour of Tanga Region, addressed Makamba's constituents and praised their MP for his work.

After Dr. John Magufuli secured CCM nomination, Makamba returned to Bumbuli constituency where he was re-elected into second term by 84% of the total votes.

Makamba also was a member of small team selected by CCM Chairman to prepare party’s manifesto (Ilani ya uchaguzi) for five years period 2015-2020.

Following the third cabinet reshuffle by Samia Suluhu on 1 September 2023, January assumed the position as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

He is an avid football fan and supports Simba S.C., Coastal Union, Chelsea and Real Madrid.