Janet Ndeanasia Mbene, as a distinguished alumna of the University of New England (UNE) Business School, has carved an extraordinary career path that spans public service, academia, and entrepreneurship. Born and raised in a humble working-class family in Tanzania, Janet’s journey from a small town in Morogoro to holding senior leadership roles in Tanzania’s government and international organisations is a testament to her resilience and ambition.
After earning her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Dar es Salaam, Janet began her career at Tanzania’s National Bank of Commerce during the country’s transition from a socialist to a market economy in the mid-1980s. Recognising the need to enhance her skills in a rapidly evolving economic landscape, she pursued further education abroad.
“I sent applications all over the Western world until I heard of AIDAB offering scholarships for master’s studies through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in my country,” Janet recalls. “I was fortunate to be admitted to UNE in Armidale, NSW.”
At UNE, Janet completed a Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Economics followed by a Master of Economics. Reflecting on her time at the university, she fondly remembers her initial impressions of Armidale.
“When we landed in Sydney and took a smaller plane to Armidale, I was struck by the terrain - it reminded me of Africa! But I was impressed at how self-sufficient the small university town was,” she says. Janet also praised UNE’s support systems, from academic resources to extracurricular activities, which helped international students thrive.
I was impressed at how self-sufficient the small university town was.
Janet’s motivation to study was driven by her desire to adapt to Tanzania’s changing economy and achieve her academic goals. “My degree was to lead me to work in a private company in my country or an international body and make a lot of money, naturally,” she says. However, her career trajectory exceeded even her own expectations.
Over the years, Janet has held prominent roles in the United Nations system in Tanzania, including positions with UNDP, UNIDO, and ILO. She also served as Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Deputy Minister of Industry & Trade, and as a Member of Parliament. Her work has influenced economic policies, international trade negotiations, and sustainable development initiatives.
In addition to her public service, Janet is the founder and director of SIA Limited, a business consulting firm that supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and drives financial inclusion initiatives across East Africa. She also oversees an NGO dedicated to empowering women and youth entrepreneurs in Tanzania.
“I consider myself very fortunate to have achieved all these in my career,” she says.
Janet’s passion for lifelong learning remains undiminished. She is now about to pursue a PhD in Public Policy Analysis at the RAND School of Public Policy in Washington, DC, as part of her “bucket list.” Her advice to students pursuing similar paths is clear: “Know your WHY, develop a strategy, build a support system, and take time to rest and celebrate small wins.”
For Janet, the drive to excel stems from a deep personal conviction and a commitment to societal transformation. “Growing up in a humble family, I learned early on the value of education and leadership,” she says. “Throughout my career, I have seen how innovative ideas and evidence-based research can shape policies and transform communities.”
As a mother of five and a grandmother, Janet also draws inspiration from her family.
“I strive to lead by example for my children and grandchildren - demonstrating that perseverance, continuous learning, and striving for excellence can create a legacy,” she says.
Janet Mbene’s remarkable journey from UNE to global leadership serves as an inspiration for current and future students, showcasing how education can unlock opportunities and drive meaningful change.
