DTB COMMITS TZS 250 MILLION TO THE AGA KHAN EDUCATION SERVICE, TANZANIA SCHOLARSHIP FUND

DTB CEO Mr. Ravneet Chowdhury (left) officially hands over a TZS 250 million cheque to Dr. Shelina Walli, CEO of AKES, Tanzania, in support of the IB Scholarship Fund.

Diamond Trust Bank Tanzania Plc (DTB) has reinforced its long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and education by donating TZS 250 million to the Aga Khan Education Service (AKES), Tanzania. The generous contribution will fund scholarships for talented Tanzanian students to pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)—a globally recognised curriculum that encourages critical thinking, ethical leadership, and academic excellence.

Empowering the Next Generation Through Education

The donation was officially announced during a handover ceremony held at DTB’s headquarters in Masaki, Dar es Salaam. The event was attended by DTB CEO Mr. Ravneet Chowdhury, AKES Tanzania CEO Dr. Shelina Walli, and Mr. Ally Mussa, an Education Officer representing the Dar es Salaam City Council.

Over the next five years, the scholarship fund will enable academically gifted students—particularly those from underserved and disadvantaged communities—to access a world-class education through the IB Diploma Programme at AKES Tanzania’s secondary school.

A Partnership Built on Shared Vision

This scholarship initiative aligns with a recently renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the International Baccalaureate (IB). The Aga Khan Schools—an agency of AKDN and the parent of AKES, Tanzania—have a deep-rooted relationship with the IB, championing inclusive, high-quality education across the Global South.

The renewed MoU is designed to strengthen access to impactful education, foster collaborative research, and ensure the IB curriculum remains responsive to learners’ local contexts and evolving needs.

Blending Global Standards with Local Relevance

At AKES Tanzania, the IB curriculum is customised to meet the unique needs of its students, ensuring a values-driven and globally competitive education that remains grounded in local realities. Learning is extended beyond the classroom through hands-on, community-based projects, including:

• Plastic bottle recycling campaigns
• Composting of organic waste
• Visits to cultural heritage sites such as the Maasai Boma
• Participation in art exhibitions and performances

These projects promote environmental awareness, cultural appreciation, and social responsibility—further enriching the educational experience.

DTB: Committed to a Brighter Future

“Youth empowerment through education is essential in building a robust talent pool of future leaders who will drive Tanzania forward—technologically and economically—as envisioned in Vision 2050,” said Mr. Ravneet Chowdhuryduring the handover ceremony.

“By removing financial barriers and creating opportunities for bright students from underprivileged backgrounds, we are unlocking their full potential and enabling them to compete in the global labour market. Together, we reaffirm our shared vision of promoting equity, excellence, and prosperity in the Tanzanian market we serve.”

Looking Ahead: A Model for Private Sector Engagement

As the DTB–AKES Tanzania partnership evolves, both institutions will continue to monitor the impact of the scholarships to ensure they deliver maximum value to the selected students.

This initiative not only reflects DTB’s broader mission of fostering financial inclusion and sustainable development but also sets a powerful example of how the private sector can play a transformative role in strengthening the nation’s education ecosystem.

---

Stay connected – More stories await you on Kitomari Banking & Finance Blog

At Kitomari Banking & Finance Blog, we spotlight the stories that matter—whether it’s about corporate leadership, community impact, youth development, or economic growth. Our mission is to inform, inspire, and empower readers with real, relevant stories from across Tanzania’s business and financial sectors.

DTB CEO Mr. Ravneet Chowdhury speaks to the press after the handover ceremony to AKES. The event marked the launch of a scholarship fund that will provide talented Tanzanian students—particularly those from underserved backgrounds—with the opportunity to study the IB Diploma Programme at AKES Tanzania’s secondary school over the next five years.

Dr. Shelina Walli, CEO of Aga Khan Education Services (AKES), speaking to reporters during the donation event, expressed gratitude to DTB for the generous contribution that will enhance learning opportunities for students across the country.

From left: DTB Board Directors Hussein Jamal, Hanifa Habib; Dr. Mussa Ally (Education Department, Dar es Salaam City Council); Dr. Shelina Walli (AKES); and DTB CEO Mr. Ravneet Chowdhury — united in a shared vision for inclusive education.

Dr. Mussa Ally, Senior Officer from the Department of Education at the Dar es Salaam City Council, underscored the significance of the DTB–AKES Tanzania scholarship initiative in expanding equitable access to quality education for underserved students.