The Tanzanian government has expressed concern that approximately 8.5 million children in the country are at risk of failing to reach their full developmental potential. This is attributed to various factors, including poverty, low education levels, poor housing conditions, and limited access to early childhood services. The government has emphasized that investing in children's early years is crucial for both social wellbeing and long-term economic growth.
According to Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Professor Tumaini Nagu, Tanzania has about 16 million children, representing roughly 27 per cent of the country's population. Citing findings from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (TDHSMIS), she said 53 per cent of children aged two to four are at risk of failing to achieve their full developmental potential.
Professor Nagu warned that the consequences of children failing to reach their full developmental potential do not end in childhood but can extend into adulthood and affect their economic potential. She noted that children who grow up under such disadvantages are more likely to earn lower incomes as adults, weakening household economies and perpetuating poverty across generations.
Citing a 2018 World Health Organisation (WHO) study, Professor Nagu said that every US dollar invested in integrated early childhood interventions can generate returns of up to 17 US dollars. She called for stronger strategies to improve childcare services at family, community, and institutional levels, emphasizing that effective childcare begins at home.
The government, working with development partners, has expanded the number of registered daycare centres from 2,378 in 2024 to 5,963. This significant increase aims to improve access to early childhood services. Professor Nagu directed regional authorities to ensure that all children attending daycare centres are registered in the School Information System.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Ms Felister Mdemu, emphasized that achieving the Tanzania Development Vision 2050 would require sustained investment in early childhood development. She urged implementing institutions to focus on measurable outcomes rather than activities alone.
Ms Mdemu stressed that success should not be measured by the number of meetings held but by the number of children reached, the quality of services, and the safety of their environments. The government has also instructed health facilities nationwide to establish Early Childhood Development corners and urged authorities to include children with disabilities in development plans.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government has expressed concern over the developmental potential of about 8.5 million children due to poverty and limited access to early childhood services.
- The government has expanded the number of registered daycare centres from 2,378 to 5,963 to improve access to early childhood services.
- Investment in early childhood development is crucial for social wellbeing and long-term economic growth.
