Dr Mwinyi flags off the 2026 Kizimkazi Festival with a call to bolster blue economy in Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President, Hussein Ali Mwinyi has urged Zanzibaris to increase seaweed production and invest in value addition to enable farmers to secure better prices and earn more from the crop.

The Isles president officially opened the Festival today, August  12, 2026 with  a public walk from Mchangamle to Kizimkazi Dimbani, alongside trade exhibitions and blue economy discussions.

Dr Mwinyi said seaweed had strong potential in the global market and could significantly contribute to improving livelihoods.

Elaborating, Dr Mwinyi said increasing production while processing seaweed into higher-value products would enable Zanzibar to capture more benefits from the growing international demand for the crop.

Dr Mwinyi also said the South Unguja Region was making progress in development, particularly through the construction of tourist hotels, which he said was strengthening the tourism sector and contributing to Zanzibar’s economic growth.

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Moreover, the President commended the private sector for partnering with the government in implementing development programmes, particularly those aimed at strengthening tourism, increasing tourist arrivals, creating employment and expanding government revenue through taxes and other levies and pledged that the government would continue supporting investors and creating a conducive environment for investment while ensuring that opportunities generated by such investments benefit local communities.

“ I also urge residents to take advantage of opportunities created by the Kizimkazi Festival to increase their incomes and benefit from the economic activities generated by the event. This is the third edition of this colorful festival, and it has continued to provide a platform for development opportunities while celebrating achievements,” he said.

This year’s festival is being held under the theme: “Kizimkazi 2026, Opportunities and Celebration.”

The 2026 Kizimkazi Festival is taking place from August 12 to August 14, 2026, in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, Zanzibar under the theme “Kizimkazi Kumenoga: Shangwe na Fursa,” .

The annual event highlights cultural heritage, traditional dhow races, trade exhibitions, and the launch of community development projects.