Sabrina’s climb from junior posts to CEO inspires women

Dar es Salaam. Sabrina Habib Msuya is a prominent practitioner in the domains of corporate communications and leadership, with a genuine passion to furthering gender equality and catalysing good change within the corporate sphere-- in her key role as the Head of Corporate.

Before becoming a part of SportPesa, her professional journey included valuable experiences with Access Bank and ABSA, formerly known as Barclays Bank.

In the earlier stages of her career, she assumed junior roles, laying a robust foundation for her subsequent growth and development.

“It was after I transitioned to SportPesa that I truly began to excel in my career. The opportunities and challenges presented in the dynamic environment of SportPesa allowed me to showcase my skills and make significant contributions, propelling me forward in my professional trajectory,” she says.

In 2022, Sabrina was appointed by the Tanzania Sports Betting Association as an Executive Chairperson, entrusted with overseeing the operations of more than 15 sports betting companies, all regulated by the Gaming Board of Tanzania.

Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing the sports betting industry’s interests.

At SportPesa, Sabrina demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and an unwavering commitment to making a substantial impact.

She holds a master’s degree in Business Administration, specialising in Corporate Management, and a degree in Mass Communications, Sabrina’s academic foundation has underpinned her multifaceted career.

She’s also recognised as a certified director by the Institute of Directors of Tanzania and stands as a top performer in the Female Future programme, Cohort 8, coordinated by the Association of Tanzania Employers (ATE) and with ESAMI.

Throughout her professional journey, Sabrina has embodied the quintessential qualities of a true leader, skillfully formulating strategic plans, inspiring and empowering her team.

In her capacity as Head of Corporate Communications, she adeptly navigates complex challenges, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence at SportPesa.

As an executive student at the Uongozi Institute, Sabrina benefits from the Women Leadership Programme scholarship, generously funded by prestigious organisations like the European Union, UN Women, UNDP, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland.

This programme equips her with refined leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the global landscape.

In the realm of communication, Sabrina excels at crafting compelling narratives, delivering impactful speeches, and engaging stakeholders.

Her unique ability to connect with diverse audiences and convey messages with clarity and authenticity enhances SportPesa’s brand image and forges meaningful connections with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government bodies, the private sector, and sports-related organisations.

Sabrina Habib Msuya’s journey epitomises her unwavering commitment to excellence, gender equality, and catalysing positive change within the corporate sphere.

Explaining how easy and difficult it is to manage her daily roles, she says that sometimes it is challenging to balance work, personal life, and family at the same time.

But she believes that being able to manage both her career and family is good time management.

“I possess strong time management skills, allowing me to consistently perform at my best. My support system plays a crucial role in navigating demanding periods, ensuring I excel in both my career and personal life,” she says.

She explains that though her undergraduate studies were in Mass Communications, she pursued a master’s in business with a focus on corporate communications to advance her career and gain expertise in the business side.

While no single individual inspired me to enter this sector, I was drawn to the strategic communication practices corporations employ to gain a competitive edge and reach their target audience.

According to her, she is currently, the only member of the immediate family in the communications sector. Her background provides a diverse perspective, and she values learning from various experiences.

She says that she gains leadership strength from different accomplished female leaders across the country.

"Also, I glean inspiration from observing figures like President Samia Suluhu Hassan, renowned for her effective time management and dedication, and Ms. Angelina Ngalula, who excels in logistics and agriculture, which motivates me to strive for continuous learning and progress."

Sabrina notes that she is happy that she currently mentors five individuals and offers guidance to others, finding fulfilment in their career success.

I am mentoring these individuals in various areas, encompassing not only career development but also a comprehensive approach to their professional success.

In my role as a mentor, I am committed to guiding them in critical areas that go beyond conventional career development.

I focus on honing their public speaking skills and fostering effective communication strategies.

Furthermore, I provide valuable insights and guidance on cultivating leadership qualities and strategic thinking, essential attributes for navigating the complex and dynamic business landscape.

SportPesa is celebrating its seven-year anniversary since it was established in the country. Sabrina was recently elected president and chairperson of the Tanzania Sports Betting Association (TSBA).

Her current roles allow her to lead strategic direction, represent the association effectively, formulate policies, make key decisions, and foster positive relationships.

She stressed that she is also dedicated to industry advocacy, addressing challenges, and promoting responsible gambling practices through collaboration with stakeholders, adding that her leadership navigates the dynamic sports betting landscape with resilience and foresight, ensuring a progressive direction for the TSBA.

She stressed that her career journey began in November 2018, when she attained her master’s degree at Mzumbe University, Dar es Salaam Campus.

This educational milestone at Mzumbe University has significantly contributed to her skills and knowledge, further enriching her career journey.