Zanzibar is reinforcing its commitment to nurturing the next generation through a comprehensive early childhood development agenda, positioning the Isles as a regional leader in investing in children’s wellbeing and human capital.
The launch of the Zanzibar Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (ZMSECDP) 2026–2031 marks a major milestone in the government’s efforts to expand access to quality childcare, early learning, nutrition, healthcare and child protection services, in line with the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050.
The programme was launched alongside the inauguration of the Stanbic Bank Tanzania-funded Mwanakwerekwe Early Childhood Development Centre in Unguja, underscoring the growing role of public-private partnerships in advancing child welfare.
The Zanzibar Government has described investment in early childhood development (ECD) as fundamental to building a healthy, skilled and productive workforce capable of driving sustainable socio-economic growth.
Speaking during the launch, Zanzibar’s Second Vice-President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, called for stronger collaboration between the government, the private sector and development partners to accelerate the country’s socio-economic transformation.
He commended Stanbic Bank Tanzania for supporting the government’s ECD agenda and urged other banks, 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 nation-building,” he said while inaugurating the Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi Childcare Centre.
The Vice-President also praised Save the Children for partnering with the government in establishing the facility, while the organisation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting child welfare programmes in Zanzibar.
Minister for Community Development, Elders, Gender and Children, Anna Athanas Paul, said investing in children is critical to nurturing the nation’s future professionals, innovators and leaders.
The Sh500 million childcare centre, located at Mwanakwerekwe Market, is among the flagship projects under the Adopt an ECD Centre Initiative, a partnership between 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 each day.
Acting Minister for Health, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, said the five-year programme provides a comprehensive framework for improving the wellbeing of 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 Sh205.2 billion, to be mobilised through contributions from the government, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector.
Stanbic Bank Tanzania’s Chief Financial and Value Officer, Derick Lugemala, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s development through strategic investments that generate lasting social impact.
He announced that the remaining Sh150 million of the bank’s Sh500 million commitment will be used to establish additional early childhood development centres across Zanzibar, further expanding access to quality childcare and strengthening the Isles’ long-term human capital development.