2VP unveils 135.7bn/- spending plan
ZANZIBAR: FOR many young Zanzibaris seeking jobs and improved public services, the government’s next budget could play a major role in shaping their future after Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla unveiled a 135.7bn/- spending plan for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Presenting the estimates before the House of Representatives in Chukwani, Mr Hemed said the proposed budget aims to strengthen public services, improve government efficiency and accelerate socio-economic development.
“This budget will enable the Office to effectively carry out its responsibilities while overseeing government programmes and ensuring national development goals are achieved,” he said.
The allocation includes 92.3bn/- for the Office of the Second Vice President, 36.8bn/- for the House of Representatives and 6.5bn/- for the Zanzibar Electoral Commission.
Mr Hemed told lawmakers that Zanzibar’s economy recorded 7.0 per cent growth in 2025, supported by increased tourism, investment and tax revenues, though agriculture and manufacturing continued to face challenges.
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He said the economy is projected to grow by 7.5 per cent in 2026 due to ongoing development projects and private sector expansion. Tourism remained a major contributor to growth, with 917,167 visitors recorded in 2025, while 92 investment projects worth 561 million US dollars were registered during the year.
The government also reported progress in electricity access, with more than 20,000 new customers connected and rural electrification reaching 91 per cent.
On employment, authorities verified over 11,000 employment contracts and issued 2,877 work permits to foreign workers as part of efforts to regulate the labour market while protecting local interests.
Lawmakers contributing to the debate called for stronger anti-drug measures, improved efficiency in public institutions and greater investment in youth empowerment programmes.
