Zanzibar boosts Blue economy drive
ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar government is intensifying efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector under its Blue Economy policy, with a focus on ensuring that citizens, particularly fishermen, derive greater benefits from the sustainable use of marine resources.
Speaking at the Blue Economy Conference held during the Kizimkazi Festival 2026, Minister for Blue Economy, Ms Mboja Ramadhani, said the government has rolled out strategies to boost fisheries productivity in line with the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) 2025–2030 Manifesto.
Held under the theme “Conserve the Ocean, Seize Blue Economy Opportunities,” the conference brought together government officials, experts and stakeholders to discuss sustainable utilisation of marine resources.
Ms Mboja said the government is intensifying efforts to curb illegal fishing and marine environmental degradation, while expanding offshore fishing, upgrading fisheries infrastructure and improving ports to better serve fishing communities.
She added that measures are also being taken to improve fishermen’s access to modern fishing gears and deep-sea vessels to increase fish production and maximise opportunities in the sector.
The minister stressed that sustainable fisheries require close collaboration between the government, experts, fishermen and local communities, urging all stakeholders to support marine conservation initiatives.
Tanzania Deep Sea Fishing Authority (DSFA) expert, Dr Emmanuel Andrew Sweke, described the ocean as one of Zanzibar’s greatest natural assets with enormous potential to drive economic growth.
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He said marine resources must be exploited responsibly to ensure long-term environmental sustainability and continued economic benefits for future generations.
Dr Sweke also underscored the importance of involving local communities in marine conservation, saying public participation is essential for protecting ocean resources.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, Dr Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, encouraged young people to seize employment and entrepreneurship opportunities offered by the Blue Economy.
He said the sector has significant potential to create jobs and businesses, while calling for greater gender inclusion and youth participation in its development.
Dr Jumbe added that the government remains committed to creating a conducive environment for investment and employment through Blue Economy initiatives, noting that tackling youth unemployment remains a key priority.
A conference participant, Mr Mohd Abdallah, called for continued reforms in the fisheries sector to increase fish production and reduce dependence on imported fish products.
He commended government efforts to link fishermen with financial institutions offering affordable loans, saying access to finance would enable them to acquire modern equipment, expand production and improve livelihoods.
