Zanzibar’s journey through the Blue Economy: Harnessing the ocean for prosperity

ZANZIBAR: THE waters surrounding Zanzibar have always been a lifeline, but over the past six decades, they have become a symbol of the island’s future.

The Blue Economy, a pillar of modern Zanzibar’s development, owes much to the foundation laid during the post-revolution era. Fishing, once a subsistence activity, has been transformed into a thriving sector.

Advances in technology and support from the government have empowered local fishers to access deeper waters and larger markets.

This growth is evident in busy fish markets and catch statistics that underline Zanzibar’s growing maritime influence, according to the Minister of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Shaaban Ali Othman.

He said that the about 50,000 fishers who have been supplied with better fishing engine boats have increased fish catch from 38,100 metric tonnes in 2020 to over 80,000 metric tonnes last year.

The 1964 Zanzibar Revolution marked a turning point, Zanzibar’s First President Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume’s early policies emphasised selfreliance, laying the groundwork for sectors like fishing to flourish.

“The revolution did not just change governance; it gave us ownership of the ocean,” Dr Narriman Jidawi, maritime scientist says, adding that fishing remains a key activity of Zanzibar’s Blue Economy, providing livelihoods for tens of thousands of people.

She says that over the years, investments in sustainable fishing practices and infrastructure have transformed the sector.

Modern fish markets, cold storage facilities and marine conservation initiatives have enabled small-scale fishers to thrive.

This growth is evident in busy fish markets and catch statistics that underline Zanzibar’s growing maritime influence, according to the Minister of Blue Economy and Fisheries Mr Shaaban Ali Othman.

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He said that the about 50,000 fishers who were supplied with better fishing engine boats have increased fish catch from 38,100 metric tonnes in 2020 to over 80,000 metric tonnes last year.

Ame Omar, a 45-year-old fisher from Nungwi, recalls how traditional methods once limited their catch and income. “Now, with training on sustainable fishing and access to better equipment, we catch more without harming the ecosystem,” he says. “It’s not just about survival anymore; it’s about prosperity.”

Seaweed farming, women at the forefront Zanzibar is among the world’s leading producers of seaweed, a sector dominated by women.

Seaweed farming, introduced in the 1980s, has become a lifeline for many coastal communities, offering income opportunities and fostering gender equality.

Fatma Nassor, a seaweed farmer in Paje, has witnessed the industry’s evolution.

“When we started, it was tough work with little reward. But now, with better market access and support from the government, our seaweed is exported globally,” she explains.

“It’s empowering to see women leading this industry.” Innovations like value-added products such as seaweedbased cosmetics and foods have also expanded income streams for farmers.

These advancements align with Zanzibar’s vision of a diversified Blue Economy, where local industries generate wealth without depleting marine resources.

The Minister of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Shaaban says that the seaweed farming has employed over 23,000 people, the majority of whom are women, and that there has been significant progress in seaweed production, with an increase from 8,785 tonnes valued at 5.38bn/- in 2020 to 16,653 tonnes worth 16.35bn/- in 2023.

“Additionally, seaweed exports have risen from 11,382 tons in 2020 to 12,563 tons this year,” the Minister said, adding that the construction of a seaweed processing factory in Chamanangwe, Pemba, is a significant milestone in the crop’s development.

Marine tourism Tourism is another pillar of Zanzibar’s maritime economy, with pristine beaches, coral reefs and cultural heritage drawing millions of visitors annually.

The government’s focus on sustainable marine tourism has led to initiatives such as marine protected areas, eco-tourism ventures and community-led conservation projects.

“Tourism is not just about showcasing Zanzibar’s beauty and income generating activity, it’s about preserving it for future generations,” says Ms Amina Yahya, a tour guide in Mnemba Island’s conservation zone.

Her work involves educating tourists on coral reef preservation and the importance of sustainable tourism practices. Marine tourism has also spurred entrepreneurship among locals, from dhow sailing tours to seafood restaurants.

This sector’s growth demonstrates how the Blue Economy creates opportunities that ripple through the broader economy.

The Permanent SecretaryMinistry of Tourism and Heritage, Dr Aboud Jumbe says, with implementation of workable plans including increased advertisement, improved services and good hotels, Zanzibar expects to increase the number of tourists from the current 600,000 to more than 800,000 tourists by 2026.

Challenges and opportunities Despite its progress, Zanzibar’s Blue Economy faces challenges, including climate change, overfishing and inadequate infrastructure.

Rising sea levels and ocean acidification threaten coastal ecosystems and livelihoods. To address these issues, the government has partnered with international organisations to implement climate-resilient practices and technologies.

One promising initiative is the Blue Economy Policy Framework. This strategy emphasizes sustainable resource management, capacity building and equitable benefits for all stakeholders.

“The Blue Economy is not just about economic growth; it’s about resilience and inclusivity,” says Dr Rahma MahfoudhExecutive Secretary, Zanzibar Planning Commission (ZPC), “We’re ensuring that every Zanzibari, from fishers to entrepreneurs—can benefit from our ocean resources.”

The road ahead Zanzibar’s journey through the Blue Economy is a testament to the power of vision and community resilience.

By leveraging its maritime resources sustainably, the archipelago is carving a path toward prosperity while preserving its natural heritage.

As Zanzibar continues to innovate and adapt, its Blue Economy serves as a model for other island nations seeking to balance development and conservation.

The ocean, long a source of sustenance and identity, remains central to Zanzibar’s future, a future shaped by the collective efforts of its people and their enduring connection to the sea.