Zanzibar backs early childhood investment
ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar government has described investment in early childhood development (ECD) as essential to building a healthy, skilled and productive workforce.
The call was made by Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, representing President Dr Hussein Mwinyi, during 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 in Unguja.
The leader called on stronger public-private partnerships to accelerate socio-economic transformation.
The two initiatives mark a significant step in Zanzibar’s drive 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.
Mr Abdulla commended Stanbic Bank Tanzania for supporting the government’s ECD agenda, urging other financial institutions and private sector organisations to invest in similar initiatives.
“We commend Stanbic Bank for this strategic investment and its continued support for socio-economic development. I urge other banks and financial institutions to emulate this contribution to nationbuilding,” he said while inaugurating the Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi Childcare Centre.
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He also commended Save the Children for partnering with the government to establish the facility, while the organisation pledged continued support for child welfare in Zanzibar.
Community Development, Elders, Gender and Children Minister Anna Athanas Paul said investing in children is critical to nurturing future professionals and leaders.
The 500m/- centre, located at Mwanakwerekwe Market, is among the first flagship projects under the Adopt an ECD Centre Initiative, a partnership involving the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Stanbic Bank Tanzania and Save the Children International.
Designed to serve children of traders and other working parents, particularly women, the facility will provide integrated childcare, early learning, nutrition, healthcare and child protection services for up to 60 children daily.
Acting Minister for Health Dr Saada Mkuya Salum said the five-year programme provides a comprehensive framework for improving outcomes for children from birth to eight years through coordinated interventions in health, nutrition, early learning and child protection.
She said implementation of the programme will require 205.2bn/-, to be mobilised from the government, development partners, civil society and the private sector.
Stanbic Bank Tanzania Chief Financial and Value Officer Derick Lugemala reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s development through investments that create lasting social impact.
He announced that the remaining 150m/- of the bank’s 500m/- commitment will finance additional ECD centres across Zanzibar, expanding access to quality childcare and supporting the Isles’ long-term human capital development.
