SMF launched in Tanzania to address education challenges
DODOMA: Tanzania’s education sector is set to receive a major boost following the launch of the Sanjeev Mansotra Foundation (SMF), which aims to help transform education across Africa.
Launching the foundation in Dodoma on Wednesday (November 5th, 2025), Mr Sanjeev Mansotra, the Founder and Chairman of Planet One Group, announced that SMF will fund the renovation and expansion of four schools in the capital city.
This follows a formal invitation from the Dodoma City Council, which oversees school education in the region — an initiative that has been welcomed by stakeholders who have pledged full support and collaboration.
Mr Mansotra noted that the SMF is guided by a bold vision to ensure that education and health are no longer privileges, but universal rights.
He further explained that the foundation is committed to strengthening educational institutions, promoting skills development, and improving the well-being of underserved communities.
“The establishment of this foundation is rooted in my firm belief that education is the cornerstone of a thriving national economy. By expanding access to quality education, we empower individuals and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and prosperity,” said Mr Mansotra.
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In supporting the government’s initiatives to address challenges in the sector, he said SMF’s work in Dodoma will include the construction of new classrooms, science laboratories, and libraries, alongside the provision of school uniforms, stationery, clean drinking water, and health camps for students and surrounding communities.
He said these efforts are designed to bridge the urban–rural divide and create pathways to opportunity for future generations.
“By investing in infrastructure and essential resources, we aim to inspire students and teachers alike, boost enrollment, and improve learning outcomes,” Mr Mansotra commented.
Looking ahead, SMF plans to expand its philanthropic initiatives to other African nations, including Ghana, Guinea, Togo, and Sierra Leone, as well as India.
“Our long-term vision is to serve as a catalyst for transformative change. We are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation by equipping them with the education, skills, and aptitude they need to thrive. From imagination to impact, our mission is to ensure no one is left behind,” he concluded.
The SMF was established to address social challenges that governments and businesses alone cannot solve. Through initiatives such as building schools in remote regions, launching skill development centers, and supporting women’s empowerment, SMF seeks to transform lives and drive meaningful national progress.
The launch comes at a critical juncture for education in Africa, as a recent report by UNESCO, UNICEF, and the African Union reveals that while school enrollment has increased by 75 million since 2015, the number of out-of-school children has surged by 13.2 million — now exceeding 100 million across the continent.
Currently, four out of five African children aged 10 cannot read and understand a simple text. The report cites rapid population growth, humanitarian crises, and a massive annual education funding gap of US$77 billion as key barriers to progress.
Rural and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected, with secondary school completion rates among rural youth up to 20 percentage points lower than their urban peers.
