Early childhood investment to shape Zanzibar’s workforce
Second Vice President of Zanzibar Hemed Suleiman Abdulla (centre) cuts the ribbon to officially open the Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi Childcare Centre in Mwanakwerekwe. Joining him are Minister for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children Anna Athanas Maalim (left), State Minister in the President’s Office ñ State House Dr Saada Mkuya Salum (second left) and Stanbic Bank Tanzania Chief Financial and Value Officer Derick Lugemala (right). The centre aims to expand access to quality early childhood care and education in Zanzibar. PHOTO | COURTESY
The Sh500 million facility, named the Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi Childcare Centre, is among the first projects under the Adopt an ECD Centre Initiative
Unguja. Zanzibar has stepped up efforts to strengthen early childhood development (ECD), describing investment in childcare, nutrition and early learning as critical to building a skilled and productive future workforce.
Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, representing President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, made the remarks yesterday during the launch of the Zanzibar Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (ZMSECDP) 2026–2031 and the opening of the Stanbic Bank Tanzania-funded Mwanakwerekwe Early Childhood Development Centre.
He commended Stanbic Bank for supporting Zanzibar’s ECD agenda and called on other financial institutions and private sector players to support similar initiatives.
"We commend Stanbic Bank for this strategic investment and its continued support for socio-economic development not only in Zanzibar but across Tanzania," Mr Abdulla said.
The Sh500 million facility, named the Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi Childcare Centre, is among the first projects under the Adopt an ECD Centre Initiative, a partnership involving the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Stanbic Bank Tanzania and Save the Children International.
Located at Mwanakwerekwe Market, the centre will provide childcare, early learning, nutrition, healthcare and child protection services for up to 60 children daily, particularly benefiting traders and working parents. State Minister in the President’s Office and Acting Minister for Health, Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, said implementation of the five-year ZMSECDP programme will require Sh205.2 billion, to be mobilised through the government, development partners, civil society and the private sector.
Stanbic Bank Tanzania Chief Financial and Value Officer Derick Lugemala said the project was an investment in people and Zanzibar’s future rather than corporate philanthropy. He said the remaining Sh150 million from the bank’s Sh500 million commitment would support additional ECD centres across Zanzibar.
"The 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," Mr Lugemala said.
The initiative aligns with Zanzibar Development Vision 2050, which identifies human capital development as a key driver of long-term socio-economic transformation.
