62ND REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY: Z’bar notches major strides

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, has said the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution finds the Isles firmly on a path of economic transformation, infrastructure expansion and improved social services, anchored on peace, unity and national cohesion.

Addressing the nation through the media on the eve of Revolution Day, marked today, Dr Mwinyi underscored the enduring legacy of the 1964 Revolution and its transformative impact on Zanzibar.

Speaking under this year’s theme, “Peace and Unity, the Foundation of Our Development – Revolution Forever,” Dr Mwinyi said the slogan reflects the truth that Zanzibar’s major achievements since the glorious Revolution of 1964 are rooted in peace and unity.

“The achievements we have attained are built upon the foundation of peace and unity, made possible through the efforts of leaders across all phases of government and the strong cooperation of our citizens,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi noted that when the Eighth-Phase government assumed office in 2020, it pledged to consolidate gains made by previous administrations and translate the goals of the Revolution into concrete action through major economic, political and social reforms, while strengthening peace, unity and solidarity for the benefit of all citizens.

“One of our greatest achievements is the continued existence of peace in the country. Peace is a critical pillar for the successful implementation of all development plans and for the well-being of our nation,” he said.

He urged Zanzibaris to safeguard peace and remain united, saying this would enable the country to make even greater development strides for the benefit of all.

The president said Zanzibar’s achievements since 2020 demonstrate that the ideals of the Revolution are being transformed into tangible benefits through sustained economic growth, expanded investment and improved public services.

“This year’s celebrations come at the beginning of the second term of the eighth phase government, a period during which we are consolidating achievements and accelerating economic, social and political transformation,” he said in his nationwide address.

Dr Mwinyi said Zanzibar’s economy has rebounded strongly, recording growth of 7.1 per cent in 2024, compared to 1.3 per cent in 2020, driven by improved fiscal management, enhanced revenue collection systems and increased investment.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at market prices rose to 6.57tri/- in 2024 from 4.78tri/- in 2021, while government revenue collection increased from 856bn/- in 2020/2021 to 2.104tri/- in 2024.

Inflation has remained stable at around five per cent. On investment, President Mwinyi said Zanzibar continues to attract investors, with the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) registering 1,657 projects worth 20.2 billion US dollars by December 2025, expected to create more than 87,600 jobs.

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To further boost investment, the government is strengthening Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Fumba and Micheweni and prioritising Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the blue economy, tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy, ICT, aviation, maritime transport and agriculture.

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects are also set to expand. Tourism remains a key pillar of the economy, with 816,438 tourists visiting Zanzibar between January and November 2025, an increase of 27 per cent compared to the same period in 2024 Dr Mwinyi said the government is diversifying tourism through sports events, cultural festivals, international conferences, heritage conservation and eco-tourism, while strengthening the broader blue economy, including fisheries, seaweed farming, aquaculture, ports, oil and gas exploration and maritime trade.

Fish production has increased by over 110 per cent, from 38,107 tonnes in 2020 to 78,943 tonnes in 2024, while fisheries revenue rose by 201 per cent. Seaweed production more than doubled, supporting livelihoods for nearly 100,000 people.

On infrastructure, the president highlighted major projects underway, including construction of the Mangapwani Integrated Port, which will have the capacity to handle 250,000 TEUs annually, alongside port developments in Shumba, Fumba and Maruhubi. Road construction has expanded significantly, with more than 330 kilometres of urban and rural roads paved, while key bridges, including Uzi–Ng’ambwa, Pangatupu and the Mwanakwerekwe flyover are nearing completion.

At Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA), passenger numbers rose to 2.57 million in 2024/2025. Construction of Terminal Two is expected to be completed within four months, while upgrades at Pemba Airport are underway to enable it to receive international flights.

Dr Mwinyi said the government has strengthened land administration by issuing 1,577 land-use titles and surveying nearly 1,000 plots for housing and investment. Large-scale housing projects are ongoing in Kisakasaka, Chumbuni, Kiembesamaki and parts of Pemba to provide affordable, well-planned housing.

Agriculture remains vital, employing about 35 per cent of the population. Irrigation projects in seven valleys have boosted rice productivity, with a target of 15 tonnes per hectare, while renewed focus is being placed on cloves, livestock development and forest conservation.

Through the Economic Empowerment Agency, the government disbursed 50.7bn/- in loans to 27,563 citizens most of them women.

Youth employment initiatives supported 1,293 youth groups and implemented 37 projects worth 28.9bn/-, particularly in digital innovation and agribusiness.

Education reforms, including construction of 35 multi-storey schools, recruitment of 1,500 teachers and expansion of ICT-based learning, have improved academic performance nationwide.

In the health sector, all 11 district hospitals are now operational, referral services have been strengthened, and major projects, including Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, a cancer treatment centre in Binguni and three regional hospitals are underway.

Access to clean water has also expanded, with 405 boreholes, 87 water storage tanks and more than 31,000 new water connections completed by December 2025. President Mwinyi noted progress in fighting corruption, with 6.6bn/- and 94,370 US dollars recovered in 2025, alongside improved public financial accountability.

He said Zanzibar continues to benefit from the Union, noting that 15 Union matters were recently resolved and joint development initiatives, including TASAF social protection programmes, continue to support vulnerable households.

Diaspora engagement has also improved, with 1,283 Zanzibaris registered in a new digital database and 55 diasporaled investments recorded. Dr Mwinyi urged citizens to safeguard peace, unity and patriotism, describing them as the foundation of Zanzibar’s progress.

“The Zanzibar Revolution and the Union of Tanzania are priceless national treasures. Let us continue working together with discipline, accountability and love for our country to achieve our development goals,” he said.

He extended gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, national leaders, security agencies, civil servants, development partners and the ruling CCM party, and called on all Zanzibaris to uphold the spirit of Mapinduzi Daima.