Majaliwa was born into a Muslim family on 22 December 1960 in Mnacho village, Ruangwa District of Lindi Region.

Meanwhile, he obtained a teaching diploma from Mtwara Teacher Training College in 1993 and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Dar es Salaam in 1998.

[2] After John Magufuli was sworn in as President of Tanzania following the 2015 general election, he appointed Majaliwa as prime minister on 19 November 2015.

His selection was attributed to his humility, honesty, work ethic as well as regional considerations - the new prime minister was expected to be from the southern part of the country, where Majaliwa is from.

His experience in education as a teacher, trade unionist and deputy minister was also expected to be an asset in President Magufuli's stated desire to reform the sector.