Mr. Sanjeev Mansotra, Chairman of Planet One Group, yesterday announced the launch of the Sanjeev Mansotra Foundation (SMF) in Tanzania, marking a significant step in the Foundation’s mission to transform education across Africa.
The Foundation’s first initiative will finance the renovation and expansion of four schools in Dodoma, in partnership with the City Council.
Founded by Mr. Mansotra, SMF operates on a bold vision: to make education and health universal rights rather than privileges. The Foundation is committed to strengthening educational institutions, promoting skills development, and improving the well-being of underserved communities.
“The establishment of this Foundation is rooted in my firm belief that education is the cornerstone of a thriving national economy,” said Mr. Mansotra, adding: By expanding access to quality education, we empower individuals and lay the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.”
The launch comes at a critical time for Africa’s education sector. A recent joint report by UNESCO, UNICEF, and the African Union highlights that while school enrollment across the continent has grown by 75 million since 2015, the number of out-of-school children has also increased by 13.2 million—now exceeding 100 million. Alarmingly, four out of five African children aged 10 cannot read and understand a simple text.
According to the report, rapid population growth, humanitarian crises, and an annual education funding shortfall of US$77 billion remain major obstacles to progress. Rural and marginalized communities are the hardest hit, with secondary school completion rates among rural youth trailing their urban counterparts by up to 20 percentage points.
Recognizing these challenges, SMF’s work in Dodoma will focus on building new classrooms, science laboratories, and libraries, as well as providing school uniforms, stationery, clean drinking water, and organizing health camps for students and surrounding communities. The initiative aims to bridge the urban–rural education gap and create pathways of opportunity for future generations.
“By investing in infrastructure and essential resources, we aim to inspire both students and teachers, boost enrollment, and enhance learning outcomes,” Mr. Mansotra added.
The Foundation’s launch in Tanzania follows a formal invitation from the City Council of Dodoma, which oversees education in the region. Local authorities and community stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, pledging full support and collaboration.
Looking ahead, SMF plans to extend its philanthropic footprint to other African nations, including Ghana, Guinea, Togo, and Sierra Leone, as well as to India.
“Our long-term vision is to be a catalyst for transformative change. We are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation by equipping them with the education, skills, and confidence they need to thrive. From imagination to impact, our mission is to ensure that no one is left behind,” Mansotra concluded.
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The Sanjeev Mansotra Foundation was established to address social challenges that neither governments nor businesses can tackle alone. Through initiatives such as building schools in remote regions, launching skill development centers, and supporting women’s empowerment, SMF seeks to transform lives and drive meaningful national progress.
