STANBIC BANK COMMITS TZS 500 MILLION TO BOOST EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT IN ZANZIBAR

Hon. Lela Muhamed Mussa, Minister of Education and Vocational Training (centre), receives a symbolic cheque valued at TZS 500 million from Stanbic Bank Tanzania during the launch of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiative in Zanzibar. To her left is Derick Lugemala, Chief Financial and Value Officer of Stanbic Bank Tanzania, and to her right is Angela Kauleni, Country Director for Save the Children Tanzania. Also present are Prof. Mohammed Hafidh Khalfan, Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Delivery Bureau (far left), and Anna Athanas Paul, Minister of Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (far right).

Zanzibar – 16 April 2026 — A powerful new chapter in early childhood development has begun in Zanzibar, as the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, in partnership with Save the Children and Stanbic Bank Tanzania, officially launched the Adopt-an-ECD Centre initiative.

The programme, unveiled during a soft launch at the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, represents a transformative public-private partnership aimed at expanding access to quality Early Childhood Development (ECD) services across Zanzibar.

Bridging the Early Learning Gap

While every child deserves a strong start, many children in Zanzibar—particularly those aged between 2 and 5—still lack access to safe, structured, and nurturing early learning environments. The Adopt-an-ECD initiative seeks to close this gap by introducing scalable ECD centre models tailored to diverse community needs.

These include:

• Community-based centres
• Market-based centres
• Institution-based centres
• Workplace-based centres

This flexible approach is designed to ensure accessibility while supporting families, especially women, to actively participate in economic activities.

TZS 500 Million Commitment to Transform Lives

As part of its commitment, Stanbic Bank Tanzania has pledged TZS 500 million toward the initiative. During the launch, the bank symbolically handed over TZS 185 million as the first phase of funding.

The initial investment will fund the development of a model ECD centre at Kwerekwe Market, creating a safe and stimulating environment for young children while enabling parents to pursue income-generating opportunities.

A Shared Vision for Zanzibar’s Future

Speaking during the launch, Prof. Mohammed Hafidh Khalfan, CEO of the Zanzibar Presidential Delivery Bureau, emphasized the importance of collaboration:

“Achieving Zanzibar’s vision for Early Childhood Development requires strong partnerships… We call on more private sector actors to join us in ensuring every child not only survives, but thrives.”

Hon. Lela Muhamed Mussa, Minister of Education and Vocational Training, reinforced the government’s commitment:

“Investing in early childhood development is investing in the future of Zanzibar… This initiative ensures every child has access to quality care, early learning, and a safe environment.”

Investing in Long-Term Impact

Highlighting the bank’s broader mission, Derick Lugemala, Chief Financial and Value Officer at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, noted:

“Meaningful development begins early… By supporting early childhood development, we are investing not only in education, but in economic participation, social inclusion, and long-term prosperity.”

Driving Sustainable Development Through Partnerships

Angela Kauleni, Country Director at Save the Children, underscored the initiative’s long-term vision:

“This partnership delivers innovative, scalable solutions that respond to real community needs… ensuring children not only survive, but learn, grow, and thrive.”

Building a Strong Foundation for Generations

The Adopt-an-ECD initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Zanzibar’s early childhood ecosystem through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable investment.

With Save the Children having operated in Tanzania since 1986, and continued government leadership in social development, the programme sets a strong precedent for how strategic partnerships can unlock long-term impact.

As Zanzibar advances its national multi-sectoral ECD agenda, this initiative signals a clear message: investing in children is investing in the nation’s future.