ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has made significant progress over the past 61 years of the Revolution, particularly in maintaining peace, unity and solidarity, as well as advancing socio-economic growth, developing infrastructure and strengthening democracy and good governance.
Addressing Tanzanians through the media on the eve of Revolution Day, which culminates today, President Hussein Mwinyi emphasised the enduring legacy of the 1964 Revolution and its transformative impact on the Isles.
Under this year’s theme of the 61st Revolution, “Peace, Unity and Solidarity for Our Development,” he paid tribute to the forefathers of the Revolution, particularly the late Mzee Abeid Amani Karume, whose sacrifices laid the foundation for Zanzibar’s independence nd prosperity.
Dr Mwinyi commended Zanzibaris for their active participation in month-long celebrations, climaxing today at the Gombani Stadium, Pemba South Region.
President Mwinyi said that Zanzibar’s economy has demonstrated remarkable growth rate with 7.5 per cent recorded by September 2024.
He added that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at curent price has also increased reaching a value of 6.04tri/- in 2023 up from 4.78tri/- in 2021 which is equivalent to an increase of 26 per cent.
The President noted that the GDP growth and the economic expansion were driven by the recovery and strengthening of the services sector, which grew by an average of 9.9 per cent in 2023 compared to 1.3 per cent in 2021 and that the tourism sub-sector also improved significantly, with the number of tourists visiting Zanzibar increasing by 145 per cent during the period.
Mwinyi added that, the government revenue collection has increased by 51 per cent, from 858.2bn/- in 2020/2021 to 1.3tri/- in 2022/2023. “Inflation rates have been effectively controlled, remaining within single digits. Although fluctuations in global prices have impacted local markets, Zanzibar’s inflation rate dropped to 4.5 per cent in November 2024,” he said.
ALSO READ: President Mwinyi to lead spectacular fete
Dr Mwinyi further noted that the pace of investment in Zanzibar has also increased, with a total of 449 projects valued at 5.9 billion US dollars registered by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) which are expected to generate over 22,966 jobs.
“These projects involve investments in the hotel sector with 169 projects, real estate businesses with 99 projects, manufacturing with 43 projects, agriculture with 28 projects, sports with 28 projects and other sectors with 82 projects,” he said.
In an effort to strengthen investment in the blue economy sector, the government, through ZIPA, has allowed investment in small islands.
To date, ZIPA has registered investment projects in seventeen islands, with a total of 377.5 million US dollars expected to be invested, he said.
He added that the government continues to take steps to attract investors and promote opportunities in the Mangapwani Integrated Port area and other strategic areas of the economy.
Dr Mwinyi also highlighted major infrastructure projects transforming Zanzibar including the completion of over 73km of urban roads and the ongoing construction of two flyovers at Mwanakwerekwe and Amani areas in Unguja.
“Ports operations and efficiency at Malindi and Mkoani have been improved by involving private sector, while work on the planned new major multipurpose port at Mangapwani in Unguja North Region is ongoing,” Dr Mwinyi said, adding that the work is associated with road network improvement.
Regarding airports, the Isles President said in his speech that at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA), Terminals 1 and 2 are being upgraded with modern equipment, to handle more travellers up to three million annually up from the current two million.
On enhanced social services, Dr Mwinyi explained that education remains a top priority for the government, with 2,773 classrooms constructed in the past four years, exceeding target of 1,500 mentioned in the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Elections Manifesto of 2020/2025.
“The government allocated 830bn/- to the education sector in the 2024/2025 budget, which is equivalent to 212 per cent increase,” he said, adding that health services have also been improved, with modern hospitals, increasing medicine budgets and increased immunisation rates.
The isles leader said as Zanzibaris and Tanzanians celebrate the 61st anniversary of Revolution, efforts to ensure access to clean water are going on well with large-scale projects underway, such as the 92 million US dollars Water Services Revitalisation Project, which has improved water coverage to 95 per cent in urban areas.
According to Dr Mwinyi, Zanzibar also recorded success in tourism and blue economy as tourist arrivals reached 645,144 in 2024, bolstered by marketing campaigns and infrastructure improvements.
“Investments in fisheries and seaweed farming have benefitted 32,000 people, with fish production increasing by 107 per cent since 2020,” Dr Mwinyi said, adding that the government is also making progress in agriculture with irrigation projects now covering over 1,000 hectares, enabling higher rice production and reducing reliance on rain-fed farming.
Zanzibar is also celebrating progress in judicial reforms with increased staffs including judges and infrastructures- courts buildings.
“While preparations for the 2025 General Election are underway to ensure a fair and peaceful process, President Mwinyi called on political leaders, civil society and citizens to uphold peace during this critical period,” Dr Hussein underlined in his speech.
President Mwinyi expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, his deputies (First and Second Vice Presidents), government officials and development partners for their contributions to Zanzibar’s progress.
