Dr Mwinyi cherishes sports as he blesses the Zanzibar Afed Festival
ZANZIBAR: THE President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has stated that sports are a vital tool for uniting people from diverse communities and nations, thereby fostering cooperation, love, and unity.
President Mwinyi made the remarks on December 24, 2025, when he officially opened the Afed Sports Festival Zanzibar 2025, being held at the Maisara Sports Complex Grounds in the Mjini Magharibi Region.
He explained that hosting the tournament in Zanzibar is a historic event and a significant milestone for the Khoja Shia Ithnashir Community, noting that the competition was established several decades ago and has been held in various countries around the world.
President Dr Mwinyi said Zanzibar is proud to host the tournament for the first time, bringing together approximately 300 athletes from different Khoja Shia Ithnashir communities worldwide, including both men and women. He noted that the festival is an important platform for promoting joy, strengthening love and solidarity, and nurturing sports talent.
Furthermore, Dr Mwinyi emphasized that sports, beyond providing entertainment, teach discipline, respect, and brotherhood, and promote cooperation within society. He added that such competitions create opportunities for economic growth through business, the transport sector, employment, and investment for citizens.
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In his address, Dr Mwinyi called on all athletes participating in the tournament to uphold the values of love, good relations, and brotherhood to ensure the competitions are conducted successfully. He also encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunity to visit Zanzibar’s tourist attractions and historical sites.
In another development, Dr Mwinyi commended the African Sports Federation for organizing a special investors’ seminar that will discuss economic and investment opportunities available in Zanzibar for international participants attending the tournament. He said the initiative is important in strengthening the economy, development, and international economic cooperation.
