- Lands Minister Leonard Akwilapo urges stronger financial discipline as NHC aligns growth plans with Tanzania’s Vision 2050
By Business Insider Reporter, Arusha
Tanzania’s Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Dr Leonard Akwilapo, has directed the newly appointed Board of Directors of the National Housing Corporation (NHC) to strengthen oversight of revenue collection and debt recovery, stressing that sound financial discipline remains fundamental to the corporation’s long-term success and stability.
Speaking during the official inauguration of the new NHC Board in Arusha on 3 June 2026, Dr. Akwilapo said the board must closely monitor revenue collection and ensure that all debtors fulfil their financial obligations in accordance with the law, without favour or special treatment.
“Do not hesitate when it comes to collecting legitimate payments owed to the Corporation. No debtor should be feared or granted preferential treatment. Everyone must meet their obligations in accordance with contractual agreements, laws and established procedures,” he said.
The minister noted that NHC has established itself as one of Tanzania’s most successful public institutions in commercial operations and investment, enabling it to maintain financial strength while making a significant contribution to the country’s housing sector.
According to Dr. Akwilapo, these achievements must be safeguarded through stronger resource management, enhanced accountability and the effective utilisation of every revenue stream for the benefit of both the Corporation and the nation.
He further stated that the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has high expectations for NHC in advancing the national agenda for quality housing, sustainable urban development and strategic investments that support economic growth and improve citizens’ livelihoods.
The minister also tasked the new board with overseeing the preparation of a new corporate strategic plan aligned with Tanzania Development Vision 2050 (Dira 2050), the Third National Five-Year Development Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals related to housing and urban development.
Earlier, NHC Director General Hamad Abdallah said the corporation has continued to strengthen its performance through investments in housing and commercial projects, as well as the adoption of digital technologies that improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
He explained that NHC has expanded its revenue base through property leasing, the sale of houses and plots, and the implementation of development projects across various regions of the country.
Mr Abdallah added that the management team will continue working closely with the new board to ensure effective implementation of government directives and maintain NHC’s position as a model institution within Tanzania’s housing and real estate sectors.
Meanwhile, NHC Board Chairperson Sophia Kongela expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the confidence placed in the board and for entrusting its members with the responsibility of guiding the corporation through the next phase of its development.
Dr Kongela said the board had taken the minister’s directives seriously and was fully committed to implementing them in close collaboration with NHC management.
She identified the board’s key priorities as strengthening asset management, improving investment returns, enhancing revenue collection, overseeing the delivery of affordable housing projects and ensuring that NHC continues to play a leading role in the development of Tanzania’s housing sector.
“We assure the Government and the Corporation’s management of our full cooperation in ensuring that NHC achieves its objectives and continues to serve as a catalyst for growth in the housing sector,” she said. The inauguration of the new board marks the beginning of a new leadership phase expected to accelerate the corporation’s growth, strengthen investment performance and fast-track the implementation of quality housing projects. The move is also expected to contribute to Tanzania’s broader national development agenda as the country advances towards Dira 2050.
