By A Special Correspondent, Zanzibar
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ) has called for stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate the Isles’ socio-economic transformation, describing early childhood development (ECD) as a critical investment in the country’s future workforce.
The call was made on July 22, 2026, in Unguja by Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, who represented President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi at the launch of the Zanzibar Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (ZMSECDP) 2026–2031 and the inauguration of the Stanbic Bank Tanzania-funded Mwanakwerekwe Early Childhood Development Centre.
The two events marked a major milestone in Zanzibar’s efforts to strengthen human capital by expanding access to quality childcare, early learning, nutrition, healthcare and child protection services in line with the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050.
Speaking during the inauguration, Mr. Abdulla commended Stanbic Bank for supporting the government’s ECD agenda and urged other financial institutions and private sector organisations to emulate the bank’s commitment to national development.
“We commend Stanbic Bank for this strategic investment and its continued support for socio-economic development not only in Zanzibar but across Tanzania. I call upon other banks and financial institutions to emulate this commendable contribution to nation-building,” he said before officially opening the facility, named the Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi Childcare Centre.
The ultramodern facility is among the first flagship projects under the Adopt an ECD Centre Initiative, a partnership between SMZ, Stanbic Bank Tanzania and Save the Children International to expand quality early childhood services across the Isles.
Located at the bustling Mwanakwerekwe Market, the TSh 350 million centre has been designed to serve children of traders and other working parents, particularly women, by providing integrated childcare, early learning, nutrition, healthcare and child protection services in a safe environment.
Built through the first tranche of Stanbic Bank’s Th 500 million commitment, the centre will accommodate up to 60 children daily, enabling more parents to participate productively in economic activities.
The Minister of State in the President’s Office, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, who is also Acting Minister for Health, said the ZMSECDP provides a comprehensive framework for improving outcomes for children from birth to eight years through coordinated interventions in health, nutrition, early learning, responsive caregiving and child protection.
She said implementation of the five-year programme will require TSh 205.2 billion, to be mobilised through government, development partners, civil society and the private sector, ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life.
Speaking at the event, Stanbic Bank Tanzania’s Chief Financial and Value Officer, Derick Lugemala, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s and Zanzibar’s development through strategic investments that create lasting social impact.
“For more than 30 years, Stanbic Bank has partnered in Tanzania’s development, and for more than a year we have also been part of Zanzibar’s growth journey. Throughout this period, we have remained guided by our purpose: Tanzania is our home, and we drive her growth,” he said.
Mr. Lugemala said the Mwanakwerekwe Centre addresses a genuine community need by enabling children to access quality care and early learning while allowing parents – especially mothers – to work with greater confidence and peace of mind.
He announced that the remaining TSh 150 million of the bank’s TSh 500 million commitment will finance additional ECD centres across Zanzibar, further expanding access to quality childcare services.
Describing the initiative as a strategic investment rather than corporate philanthropy, Mr. Lugemala said the project demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when government, business and development partners work together. “Our TSh 500 million commitment is an investment in people, opportunity and Zanzibar’s future. This centre demonstrates what can be achieved when government, business and development partners unite to strengthen families, empower communities and unlock the potential of the next generation,” he said.
