Tanzanian female tourism trailblazer named among Africa’s 100 most influential persons

RWANDA: TANZANIAN female tourism trailblazer, Zainab Ansell has been named among Africa’s 100 Most Influential Persons.

Ansell, founder and chief executive of Zara Tanzania Adventures, received a Certificate of Honour at the third edition of the awards in Kigali on 25 September 2026.

The ceremony was held at the M Hotel and organised by The Business Executive Group in partnership with the International Business Council Africa and the African Chamber for Trade.

The awards recognise individuals for leadership and professional achievements that have contributed to development across Africa.

Ansell founded Zara Tanzania Adventures in 1986.

The company has since grown from a local tour operation into a business offering Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions, safaris and hospitality services.

It now employs 1,410 people in permanent and seasonal roles, according to the company.

Ansell has also used tourism to support communities in northern Tanzania.

Through programmes supporting Maasai women, the company provides access to materials for beadwork and crafts and helps connect their products with tourists.

The initiative is intended to create income and opportunities for small-scale enterprise.

Her work also includes education and support for children through Zara Tanzania Charity.

Zara Tanzania Adventures has enrolled 1,200 porters working on Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in health insurance, giving them access to medical care.

Conservation has also become part of the company’s work.

In 2026, Ansell was elected to the Board of Directors of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council for a three-year term beginning in September.

The council promotes sustainability in the global tourism industry.

Zara Tanzania Adventures has also received international tourism awards.

It won Africa’s Leading Tour Operator and Tanzania’s Leading Tour Operator at the World Travel Awards in 2022 and 2023.

It was later named Africa’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator in 2025 and 2026.

Ansell has received other awards for her contribution to tourism and humanitarian work.

Speaking after receiving the Kigali honour, she said it reminded her why she entered the tourism industry.

She said her goal had been to share Tanzania’s natural attractions with visitors while creating opportunities for children and communities.

Ansell dedicated the recognition to the guides, porters, drivers, camp and lodge teams, charity workers and office staff behind the business.

She also thanked her family, partners and supporters.

“None of this is the work of one person,” she said.

For Ansell, the award marks another milestone in a career spanning four decades in Tanzania’s tourism industry.

She said she hoped the recognition would encourage other African women to pursue their ambitions.

“I hope it encourages other African women to keep building the things they believe in,” she said.