Major transport projects launched
ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar government has rolled out major infrastructure projects in air, sea and road transport as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the transport sector and accelerate socio-economic development.
The ambitious drive aims to position Zanzibar as a competitive hub for trade, tourism and logistics in East Africa, while improving safety, efficiency and access to reliable transport services for residents and visitors alike.
Speaking to journalists at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) recently, the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed said the government of Zanzibar is taking concrete measures to modernise aviation, maritime and road infrastructure in line with international standards.
“These investments reflect the government’s longterm commitment to building a modern, efficient and secure transport system that supports economic growth and improves the livelihoods of our people,” Dr Khalid said.
In the aviation sector, the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA) is implementing several large-scale construction and rehabilitation projects at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Key projects include the construction of Terminal II, a modern passenger terminal valued at 34 million US dollars, which began in December 2023 and is scheduled for completion in June 2026, alongside the Terminal 1 building, worth more than USD 6.1 million, expected to be completed by November 2025.
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Other ongoing and planned projects include the Terminal III commercial centre, a new aircraft parking apron, a bridge linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and the long-term development of an Airport City incorporating offices and commercial facilities. The upgrades come amid steady growth in air traffic.
Aircraft movements rose from 30,614 in 2020 to over 70,000 in 2025, while passenger numbers more than tripled over the same period, reaching approximately 2.5 million passengers in 2025.
Dr Khalid said the expansion will enhance passenger experience, boost Zanzibar’s capacity to handle international flights and support the tourism sector, which remains a pillar of the islands’ economy. Zanzibar’s marine transport sector is also showing robust growth, underpinned by improved port operations and rising passenger and cargo volumes.
According to the Zanzibar Maritime Quarterly Performance Report (October–December 2025), the islands handled 1,536 vessel calls during the quarter, transporting more than 556,000 passengers and facilitating significant cargo and container throughput.
Speed boats and Ro-Ro passenger vessels accounted for the majority of marine traffic, reflecting strong demand on key routes linking Unguja, Pemba, Dar es Salaam and Tanga. The Unguja–Dar es Salaam route alone represented nearly three-quarters of all passenger voyages during the period.
The report also shows growth in vessel registration, with 507 vessels registered in 2025, up from 451 in 2024, alongside increased maritime inspections and seafarer services, an indication of improved regulatory oversight and safety enforcement.
Dr Khalid noted that the transport upgrades are being implemented as part of activities marking the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, emphasising that infrastructure development remains central to the government’s development agenda.
“These improvements will open up new employment opportunities, facilitate trade and investment and enhance Zanzibar’s competitiveness in both domestic and international transport and logistics,” he said.
