By Business Insider Reporter
Stanbic Bank Tanzania has joined forces with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and NGO Save the Children in a major public-private partnership aimed at transforming early childhood development (ECD) across the isles.
A presser on the strategic collaboration said the effort will be driven through the newly launched “Adopt-an-ECD” initiative.
The soft launch of the drive was held on 16 April 2026 at the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training in Unguja, bringing together senior government officials, development partners and private sector leaders in a coordinated push to expand access to quality early learning and childcare services.
Central to the initiative’s financing is Stanbic Bank’s TSh500 million commitment, reaffirmed at the launch through a symbolic handover of TSh185 million as the first tranche to support immediate rollout.
The lender’s initial funding will support the establishment of a model early childhood development centre at a, designed to offer a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for young children while enabling parents – particularly women – to engage more fully in income-generating activities.
The initiative targets longstanding gaps in early childhood development across Zanzibar, where many children aged 0–6 lack access to structured early learning. Experts say these formative years are critical for brain development, shaping future education, health and economic outcomes.
Under the Adopt-an-ECD framework, the partners will roll out scalable and adaptable models of childcare delivery, including community-based centres, market-based facilities such as Kwerekwe, institution-based centres, and workplace-linked childcare options.
These centres will integrate early learning with health, nutrition, protection, and caregiver support services, ensuring a holistic approach to child development.
Speaking at the launch, Prof. Mohammed Hafidh Khalfan, CEO of the Zanzibar Presidential Delivery Bureau, said the initiative reflects the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving national development goals.
“Delivering Zanzibar’s vision for early childhood development requires strong partnerships across government, development actors, and the private sector. Contributions like these are critical to scaling sustainable and innovative solutions that ensure every child thrives,” he said.
Lela Muhamed Mussa, Minister for Education and Vocational Training, underscored the government’s commitment to advancing inclusive child development as a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s long-term social and economic agenda.
She said the initiative reflects a shared determination among partners to ensure that every child in Zanzibar – regardless of background – has access to quality early learning, care and protection, while also strengthening the foundations for improved education outcomes, social equity and future workforce readiness.
“The initiative demonstrates our resolve to build a more inclusive and resilient society by investing early in our children,” she noted, adding that expanding access to holistic early childhood services is key to unlocking the full potential of the next generation.
“We welcome this partnership and encourage more stakeholders to join us in building a stronger foundation for our children,” she added.
Stanbic Bank Tanzania Chief Financial and Value Officer Derick Lugemala reaffirmed the bank’s long-term social investment strategy, noting that early childhood development is central to sustainable growth.
He said the lender’s TSh500 million commitment reflects Stanbic Bank’s belief that real transformation begins early in life.
“Through our corporate social investment programmes, we focus on initiatives that create lasting impact – strengthening education, inclusion, and economic participation. Tanzania is our home, and we are committed to driving her growth,” he said.
Save the Children Tanzania Country Director Angela Kauleni highlighted the broader impact of the partnership approach, noting that every child deserves the best start in life.
According to her, the initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration between government, the private sector, and development partners to deliver scalable, community-driven solutions that help children survive, learn, and thrive. The Adopt-an-ECD initiative is expected to serve as a replicable model for expanding early childhood development services across Zanzibar, with additional centres planned in future phases. The partners say the programme marks a significant step toward strengthening the country’s human capital foundation through early investment in children’s development.
