Dr. Sophia Marcian Kongela joined the NMB Bank Plc Board of Directors in March 2025, bringing extensive expertise in corporate governance, and real estate, and strong background in research, teaching and academic leadership.

She is currently the Dean of the School of Earth Sciences, Real Estate, Business, and Informatics (SERBI) at Ardhi University, a position she has held since 2020. In this role, she has been instrumental in enhancing academic standards, developing innovative curricula, and promoting strategic growth initiatives. In addition, Dr. Kongela serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the National Housing Corporation (NHC)—the largest public housing company in Tanzania, a role she has held since 2018. She has recently been appointed as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Mbeya Cement Company Limited (MCCL).

An accomplished academic and valuation expert, Dr. Kongela holds a PhD in Real Estate Development from the International Real Estate Business School (IREBS) of the University of Regensburg, Germany, an MBA in Finance, and a B.Sc. in Land Management and Valuation from the University of Dar es Salaam. She is also a Fully Registered (FRS) and Licensed Valuation Surveyor with the Valuers Registration Board (VRB) Tanzania, a Fellow Member of the Tanzania Institution of Valuers and Estate Agents (TIVEA), and an active Member of the African Real Estate Society (AfRES).

Dr. Kongela’s leadership extends beyond academia and corporate governance. As the Head of the Department of Land Management and Valuation at Ardhi University (2013–2020), she spearheaded research, policy formulation, and capacity-building initiatives that have significantly contributed to the growth of the real estate sector in Tanzania. Her work on national frameworks and strategic planning continues to shape industry standards and best practices.

Through her various leadership roles and engagements in international training programs, including the SIDA International Training Programme on Applied Land Governance, Dr. Kongela remains a respected voice in real estate sector, land governance, and valuation. Her commitment to excellence and strategic foresight make her a valuable addition to the NMB Bank Plc Board of Directors.