Morogoro, Tanzania | 17–18 July 2026
The early years of a child’s life are a critical foundation for lifelong learning, health, wellbeing, and development. Recognizing the importance of nurturing care during this period, Tanzania continues to advance efforts to strengthen systems that support children, families, and caregivers.
In this context, the Tanzania Early Childhood Development Network (TECDEN), in collaboration with national and international partners, convened the inaugural meeting of the National Childcare Community of Practice (NCCoP) from 17th to 18th July 2026 in Morogoro, Tanzania.
The establishment of NCCoP represents an important milestone in creating a coordinated platform for stakeholders to collaborate, exchange knowledge, share practical experiences, and promote collective action towards improving the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of childcare services across Tanzania.
Bringing Together Key Actors to Shape the Future of Childcare
The first NCCoP meeting brought together 50 organizations representing a wide range of sectors, including UN agencies, government institutions, civil society organizations, academic institutions, development partners, private sector actors, and childcare practitioners.
Participating organizations included ILO, D-tree, Nurture First, Children in Crossfire, Save the Children, C-Sema, Montessori Community Tanzania, and other stakeholders committed to advancing childcare and early childhood development in Tanzania.
The diversity of participants reflected the understanding that childcare is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, including health, education, social protection, labour, community development, and family support systems.
Strengthening Evidence-Based Childcare Approaches
The meeting was convened under the CARE Initiative Consortium, comprising TECDEN, Oxford Policy Management (OPM), and CHODAWU.
A key component of the meeting was the review and validation of findings from the Home-Based Childcare Centres Landscape Study, which provides valuable insights into the current childcare environment in Tanzania.
The study contributes to a better understanding of existing childcare practices, opportunities, and challenges, while supporting stakeholders to identify practical solutions that respond to the realities faced by children, families, and caregivers.
Evidence generated through such initiatives is essential in informing policies, improving programming, and ensuring that childcare interventions are responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.
Why Childcare Matters for Tanzania’s Development Agenda
Quality childcare plays a critical role in supporting children’s holistic development by providing safe, responsive, and stimulating environments during the most important stages of growth.
Beyond supporting children, investments in childcare contribute to wider social and economic development outcomes. Accessible and reliable childcare services enable parents and caregivers, particularly women, to participate more effectively in education, employment, and economic activities.
As Tanzania continues to pursue its development priorities, strengthening childcare systems is an investment in human capital development and the wellbeing of future generations.
A Platform for Learning, Collaboration, and Advocacy
The NCCoP will serve as a national platform to strengthen collaboration among childcare stakeholders through:
Promoting knowledge exchange and learning among childcare actors;
Supporting dialogue on childcare policies, standards, and investment;
Sharing innovative approaches and good practices;
Strengthening the capacity of childcare providers;
Building partnerships that improve childcare outcomes for children and families.
Through continuous engagement, NCCoP aims to contribute to the development of a stronger and more coordinated childcare ecosystem in Tanzania.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the National Childcare Community of Practice marks the beginning of a collective journey towards ensuring that every child in Tanzania has access to quality, safe, and nurturing care.
The success of this initiative will depend on sustained commitment, collaboration, and shared responsibility among all stakeholders. By working together, Tanzania can build childcare systems that support children’s development, strengthen families, empower caregivers, and contribute to inclusive national development.
TECDEN remains committed to bringing stakeholders together, generating evidence, and supporting actions that place children at the centre of Tanzania’s development agenda.