Senior Manager, Diaspora Banking at CRDB, Joseph Mosha (right), shakes hands with Managing Partner of Akili Education, Mr Felician Chizelema after a partnership meeting in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO | COURTESY
Dar es Salaam. More than 200 students are expected to participate in the Akili Alumni Marathon 2026, a unique event that will bring together Tanzanians who have studied at universities abroad to run with the goal of investing in the next generation.
The Director of Akili Education, Felician Chizelema, said the marathon, sponsored by CRDB Bank, aims to raise $1.2 million to fund 100 students to pursue modern, high-demand courses globally, including Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security and Blockchain Technology.
He said CRDB, through its youth banking unit (Youth Connect), has taken a further step by sponsoring 100 university students in Tanzania to participate in the Akili Alumni Marathon 2026.
"CRDB Bank continues to prove through action that it is a leader in empowering Tanzanian youth, not just through words but through initiatives that bring real change. Through Youth Connect, the bank has been opening financial access, knowledge and opportunities for thousands of young people, and this step further confirms its commitment to building a capable generation,” he said.
He said that every $12,000 raised will sponsor one student for a period of four years, covering tuition, accommodation, meals as well as essential travel expenses.
“The goal is to equip Tanzanian youth with world-class technology education so that they can return and contribute to national development. We are focusing more on underprivileged students with aspirations of studying abroad,” he said.
Chizelema said the Akili Alumni Marathon will take place on April 6, 2026—Easter Monday—in Dar es Salaam under the theme ‘Run the Future: 100 Scholarships for Tech Leaders’. The guest of honour is expected to be the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda.
