Nancy Sumari - Early Life, Education, Career and Books

Nancy Abraham Sumari is a Tanzanian author, businesswoman, social entrepreneur, and beauty pageant titleholder. The 38-year-old model holds multiple leadership roles, including Managing Director of Bongo5 Media Group (T) Ltd, Executive Director of The Neghesti Sumari Foundation, and founder of The Jenga Hub. Additionally, she is a published author of the children's book series, Nyota Yako. Through The Jenga Hub, Sumari focuses on digital education and youth empowerment, advocating for child rights and education across Tanzania.

In 2017, Africa Youth Awards named her among the 100 Most Influential Young Africans.

Early Life and Education

Nancy Abraham Sumari was born in Arusha, Tanzania on 7 August, 1986. She completed her primary and secondary education in Kenya before pursuing higher education. Sumari graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Dar Es Salaam and also completed the Future Leaders of Business and Industry program at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania.

Miss Tanzania and Miss World, 2005

Nancy Abraham Sumari won the Miss Tanzania title in 2005 and went on to compete in the Miss World 2005 pageant, where she achieved a top 6 placement and was crowned Continental Queen of Africa for 2005. This marked the highest placement for Tanzania at the Miss World pageant to date.

Career

Nancy Abraham Sumari is the founder and executive director of the Neghesti Sumari Foundation, which leverages literature, technology, and agriculture to create value. Her foundation's programs focus on women empowerment, youth mentorship, and championing quality education. 

Nancy has authored three books, including two children's books and one in honor of Samia Suluhu. Her first book, "Nyota Yako" (Your Star), is a poem celebrating successful Tanzanian women and aims to inspire African girls to pursue their dreams. Her second book, "HAKI," is based on the Law Of The Child Act of 2009 and encourages children to know their rights.

Her foundation's initiatives have transformed learning outcomes among youth and children through digital literacy programs and design thinking methodologies, earning her the 'Tigo Digital Change Maker' award in Tanzania. Nancy is also an active member of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Community, a Global Village Fellow, a Mandela Washington Fellow 2017, and an Obama Leaders Africa 2019 fellow.

Personal Life

Nancy Sumari is married to Luca Neghesti, a media personality and Msasani ward councilor politician. They have one daughter, Zuri. Nancy is also the younger sister of singer Nakaaya Sumari, and they come from a family of five children.

Books

2013 - Nyota Yako

2019 - Haki

Awards and Nomination

Miss Tanzania 2005 - Miss Tanzania, 2005

Continental Queen of Africa - Miss World, 2005

Female Stylish Personality - Swahili Fashion Week Awards, 2012

Tigo Digital Change Maker - Tigo Tanzania Awards, 2017 

The 100 Most Influential Young Africans - African Youth Awards, 2017

Anti-Child Marriage Champion - Msichana Initiative: Anti-Child Marriage Champions, 2021