📌-New centre provides safe childcare and early learning for children of parents working at Mwanakwerekwe Market and nearby areas
📌-Stanbic Bank advances TZS 350 million as part of its TZS 500 million commitment to Zanzibar’s Adopt an ECD initiative
📌-Partnership demonstrates the power of public-private collaboration in strengthening child development and economic inclusion
ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA – Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, representing His Excellency Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, yesterday officially inaugurated the Mwanakwerekwe Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre, a Stanbic-funded facility that will provide safe, quality childcare and early learning services for children of traders and workers at Mwanakwerekwe Market and nearby areas.
Established through a partnership between the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Stanbic Bank Tanzania and Save the Children International, the centre addresses a critical need for working families by creating a secure, nurturing environment where young children can learn, grow and thrive while their parents earn a living.
The centre has been supported through the first TZS 350 million tranche of Stanbic Bank Tanzania’s TZS 500 million commitment to the Government’s Adopt an ECD initiative, underscoring the Bank’s commitment to investing in Zanzibar’s future through early childhood development.
Located at the bustling Mwanakwerekwe Market, the centre has been designed to serve children of traders and other working parents, particularly women, by providing integrated childcare, early learning, nutrition, healthcare and child protection services in a safe environment.
The centre will accommodate up to 60 children daily, enabling more parents to participate productively in economic activities.
Speaking at the inauguration, Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla commended Stanbic Bank for its investment in the nation’s future and urged other institutions to follow the Bank’s example.
“We commend Stanbic Bank for this strategic investment and its continued support for socio-economic development, not only in Zanzibar but across Tanzania. I call upon other banks and financial institutions to emulate this commendable contribution to nation-building,” he said.
For his part, Stanbic Bank Tanzania Chief Financial and Value Officer, Derick Lugemala, said quality childcare is both a social and economic enabler.
“A child’s future should never be limited by a parent’s need to earn a living. The Mwanakwerekwe ECD Centre gives children a safe start in life while enabling working parents, especially women, to participate more fully in the economy. As we mark 30 years in Tanzania and deepen our presence in Zanzibar, we remain guided by our purpose: Tanzania is our home, we drive her growth,” he said.
Lugemala said the investment reflects Stanbic Bank’s broader commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.
“Our TZS 500 million commitment is an investment in people, opportunity and Zanzibar’s future. This centre reflects the impact that can be achieved when government, business and development partners work together to strengthen families, empower communities and unlock the potential of the next generation,” Lugemala added.
The inauguration coincided with the launch of the Zanzibar Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme 2026–2031, a government-led framework designed to improve outcomes for children from birth to eight years through coordinated action across health, nutrition, caregiving, early learning, safety and child protection.
Following the opening ceremony, the Second Vice President witnessed a Development Partners Round Table in Zanzibar, bringing together stakeholders to mobilise financial, technical and institutional support for the programme’s implementation over the next five years.
The Mwanakwerekwe ECD Centre serves as a practical example of how strategic partnerships can address both child development and economic participation, particularly for women working in informal markets.
As Zanzibar expands access to quality early childhood services, Stanbic Bank has committed to continue working with the government and development partners to advance initiatives that strengthen families, expand opportunity and contribute to long-term national development.
