Industry and Trade Minister Selemani Jafo

Minister for Industry and Trade Dr. Selemani Jafo has instructed all relevant government agencies to assist citizens in accessing opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This order underscores the Minister’s ongoing commitment to inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, which stems from a distinguished public service career spanning over twenty years. Dr. Jafo serves as Tanzania’s Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office for Union and Environment, where he oversees national initiatives on environmental sustainability, climate policy, and the coordination of union matters. A seasoned public servant and Member of Parliament for Kisarawe since 2010, he brings extensive institutional experience to every position he holds, supported by a background in development policy, community empowerment, and administrative reform.

Dr. Jafo holds a PhD from the University of Dodoma and a Master’s degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University in the United States. He also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and Human Nutrition from Sokoine University of Agriculture. His educational journey reflects a deliberate alignment with Tanzania’s development needs, particularly in rural livelihoods, health, and economic participation.

Over the years, Dr. Jafo has held several senior government positions. From 2015 to 2017, he served as Deputy Minister in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government before being promoted to full Minister in the same office from 2017 to 2021. In these roles, he supervised essential reforms in local government efficiency, infrastructure investment, and service delivery to underserved communities. His experience as a minister has established him as a key player in turning policy into practice, with a strong focus on outcomes that directly benefit citizens.

Dr. Jafo’s legislative and regional contributions have also been substantial. Between 2012 and 2015, he was an active member of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, serving as Treasurer and participating in influential committees on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, as well as Agriculture, Livestock, and Water. His work in these areas demonstrated his capability to operate effectively within both national and multilateral frameworks, with a focus on policy harmonisation, resource allocation, and cross-border collaboration.

His political journey is grounded in long-standing service to Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), where he has held leadership roles at district and regional levels, including as a member of the CCM Regional Party Committee and as District Guardian for Rufiji. Before entering Parliament, he gained practical administrative experience as an Agriculture Officer at the Kisarawe District Council and later with Plan International, where he managed community development programs with a focus on youth and family livelihoods.

Today, Dr. Jafo’s portfolio continues to grow in influence. His call for government agencies to mobilise around AfCFTA opportunities signals a forward-looking economic agenda aimed at positioning Tanzanians competitively within the continent’s growing trade architecture. His leadership reflects a balance of policy knowledge, political experience, and a deep understanding of Tanzania’s socio-economic landscape. Whether advancing climate resilience, promoting intra-African trade, or strengthening public institutions, Dr. Jafo has proven to be a results-driven leader committed to equity, empowerment, and national progress.