The University of South Africa (Unisa) has conferred a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management Sciences on Dr Abdulmajid Mussa Nsekela, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of CRDB Bank Plc, marking a significant milestone in his academic and professional journey.

The achievement highlights the growing link between executive leadership and advanced academic scholarship, particularly in strengthening governance, innovation and sustainable growth within Africa’s financial sector.

Nsekela said Unisa stood out as his institution of choice due to its strong academic reputation and its role in producing knowledge that responds to Africa’s development challenges.

"I chose the University of South Africa because of its strong academic reputation and its longstanding contribution to higher education on the African continent," he said. He added that the university’s flexibility and research orientation made it suitable for balancing academic work with the demands of executive leadership. "Unisa’s flexible and research-oriented approach made it an ideal institution for pursuing doctoral studies while managing professional responsibilities."

Completing a PhD while leading one of East Africa’s major financial institutions required discipline, focus and structured time management. Nsekela described the experience as demanding but formative, noting that consistency was key to completing the journey. "The biggest challenge was managing time and maintaining consistency amidst competing priorities," he said. He added that there were moments when professional demands placed pressure on his academic progress, but discipline and purpose kept him on course. "It reached a stage where my mind thought about postponing the study, but I remained committed through disciplined planning and a clear sense of purpose."

Nsekela’s doctoral research, entitled "Corporate governance and financial performance of East African banks: The moderating role of information leakage", examines the relationship between corporate governance and financial performance in East African commercial banks, including the moderating role of information leakage. The findings emphasise the importance of strong governance systems, transparency and accountability in strengthening institutional performance and long-term sustainability. He noted that the study has practical relevance for the financial sector, particularly as institutions become increasingly digital and data driven.

Beyond his executive role at CRDB Bank Plc, Nsekela has held several influential leadership positions across the financial and public sectors. He served as Chairperson of the Tanzania Bankers’ Association, contributing to the shaping of national financial sector policy and coordination. He also serves as Chairman of the Tea Board of Tanzania (Bodi ya Chai Tanzania) and the Tanzania Co-operative Development Commission (TCDC), supporting governance and development in key economic sectors.

His academic foundation reflects extensive training in business, banking and finance. He holds a PhD in Management Sciences from Unisa, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Banking and Finance from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) from the University of Birmingham, and an Advanced Diploma in Banking from the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) in Tanzania.

Nsekela has also received notable recognition for his leadership in the banking sector. He was a finalist for the African Banker of the Year award at the 2026 African Banker Awards. He previously won the African Leadership Banking Personality of the Year Award in 2024, reflecting his influence in advancing banking excellence and financial sector development across Africa.

Reflecting on his academic journey, Nsekela encouraged professionals to remain committed to continuous learning regardless of their career stage. "The demands of leadership and professional life should never become a barrier to personal and intellectual growth. In today’s rapidly changing world, continuous learning is essential," he said. He added that education remains a powerful tool for expanding leadership capacity and impact. "The journey expands your thinking, sharpens your decision-making and strengthens your ability to create meaningful impact in society."

He further urged African professionals to actively contribute to knowledge creation rather than only consuming existing knowledge. "Africa needs leaders who contribute to generating solutions for the continent’s challenges and opportunities." He concluded by encouraging individuals to begin their academic journeys without delay: "Do not wait for the perfect time. Start where you are and remain committed to the journey."

Unisa congratulates Dr Abdulmajid Mussa Nsekela on his achievement and recognises his contribution to advancing leadership, governance and sustainable growth across Africa.

* By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Economic and Management Sciences