Z’bar steps up push for investment in clean energy transition

ZANZIBAR: SENIOR government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and energy experts have gathered in Zanzibar for a high-level programme aimed at turning the islands’ renewable energy ambitions into bankable, investment-ready projects.

The two-day capacitybuilding event, which opened on Monday, is being held in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. It focuses on strengthening the bankability of energy transition projects in emerging economies such as Zanzibar.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Labour and Investment, Permanent Secretary Khamis Suleiman Mwalim said Zanzibar is at a decisive stage in its development journey.

“The government, under the leadership of President Hussein Mwinyi, is pursuing an ambitious agenda to transform the islands into a competitive, resilient, and investment-driven economy,” he said.

“Energy is not just a sector; it is the foundation of our transformation,” he added, noting that renewable energy has become a strategic national priority. Despite Zanzibar’s abundant solar and wind resources, officials acknowledged a key challenge: translating policy ambitions into credible, investment-grade projects capable of attracting large-scale financing.

The programme seeks to bridge this gap by equipping stakeholders with technical skills to design, structure, and present viable energy projects to global investors.

Also speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Richard Muyungi, highlighted broader financing challenges facing developing countries in the clean energy transition.

He noted that while Tanzania has significant renewable energy potential and aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35 per cent by 2030, investment levels remain insufficient.

“Tanzania’s renewable energy sector remains underfunded, with a significant investment gap hindering the transition,” he said, adding that initiatives such as the training are critical to unlocking financing and supporting climate commitments.

Dr Muyungi also underscored Zanzibar’s vulnerability to climate change, particularly rising sea levels that threaten livelihoods dependent on tourism and fishing.

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He noted that the islands aim to increase renewable energy use to 50 per cent by 2030, up from 10 per cent in 2020. In his welcoming remarks, Executive Director of the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority, Saleh Saad Mohammed, described the programme as a shift from planning to implementation.

“We are moving from ambition to execution. The challenge is not a lack of opportunity, but a shortage of well-prepared, bankable projects that meet investor expectations,” he said.

He added that the sessions will focus on practical skills, including project identification, risk mitigation, and effective packaging of investment opportunities to attract international financing.

Participants stressed that the success of Zanzibar’s energy transition will depend on strong collaboration between the government, development partners, and the private sector.

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling investment environment, signalling to global partners that the islands are ready for sustainable investment.

The programme is expected to lay the groundwork for concrete energy projects that will expand access to clean power, create jobs, and strengthen economic resilience.