How Zanzibar is breathing new Life into Stone Town’s historic treasures

ZANZIBAR: IN the narrow, winding streets of Zanzibar’s ancient quarters, history lives in carved wooden doors, coral stone walls and the fading scent of centuries-old Persian baths.

For generations, these landmarks have stood as silent witnesses to trade, faith and cultural exchange along the Indian Ocean. Now, a landmark $12 million partnership promises to restore their glory, and secure their future.

The Zanzibar Government has signed a historic Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Infinity Development Limited, to restore and revitalize some of the islands’ most treasured heritage sites.

The agreement, signed through the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, and the Ministry of Labour and Investment, signals a bold step toward placing heritage conservation at the heart of Zanzibar’s sustainable development agenda.

At the centre of the restoration plan is Stone Town, the cultural jewel of the islands and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For years, conservationists have warned that without sustained investment, some of Stone Town’s most iconic structures could deteriorate beyond repair.

The new partnership aims to change that narrative. Reviving Landmarks That Tell Zanzibar’s Story The first phase of the restoration will focus on six key historical sites within Stone Town and its surrounding areas.

These include the imposing Old Fort, one of the oldest buildings in the city, whose thick walls once defended the island against Portuguese attacks and now host cultural festivals and community gatherings.

Also set for restoration is the High Court Museum, a building that reflects Zanzibar’s layered legal and administrative history.

The famed Hamamni Persian Baths, built in the late 19th century by Sultan Barghash, will undergo careful conservation to preserve their unique architectural design and intricate passageways.

Beyond Stone Town’s core, works will extend to the Forodhani Baths, the serene Kijichi Persian Baths, and the lesser-known but historically significant Kizimbani Baths.

Together, these sites represent centuries of Persian, Arab, African and European influence, the very essence of Zanzibar’s cosmopolitan identity.

Through its Infinity Culture Program, Infinity Developments has committed approximately $12 million for the first phase of restoration.

The investment will cover structural rehabilitation, infrastructure upgrades, conservation expertise and improvements to visitor facilities.

But officials say the project goes far beyond bricks and mortar. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, described the agreement as a milestone in safeguarding Zanzibar’s identity.

“This collaboration demonstrates the power of publicprivate partnerships in protecting our cultural heritage while advancing economic transformation,” he said, aligning the project with the broader reform agenda championed by President Hussein Ali Mwinyi. For Zanzibar, tourism remains the backbone of the economy.

Yet as visitor numbers grow, so too does the pressure on fragile heritage sites. By prioritizing restoration and visitor experience simultaneously, the partnership seeks to balance preservation with profitability, a model increasingly embraced worldwide.

Mr Khamis Suleiman Mwalimu, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Investment, emphasized that the deal reflects Zanzibar’s commitment to fostering a transparent and enabling investment climate.

He noted that such partnerships create jobs not only during construction, but also through long-term site management, guiding services, creative industries and small enterprises linked to tourism.

Opportunities for Communities For residents of Stone Town and nearby communities, the restoration project carries deep personal meaning.

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Many families trace their ancestry to the traders, craftsmen and scholars who once animated these spaces.

Restoring the sites offers a renewed sense of pride and belonging. Infinity Developments’ Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Saba, said the company views the initiative as an investment in people as much as in property.

“Zanzibar has a unique and compelling history in this region. We are proud to partner with the government in preserving and elevating these historic sites,” he said.

“This is not only about restoring buildings, but about creating vibrant cultural spaces that inspire education, tourism and community pride for generations to come.”

Plans include enhancing interpretation centres, improving signage and creating interactive visitor experiences that bring history to life.

Cultural programming, from exhibitions to performances is also expected to expand, transforming restored sites into living spaces rather than static monuments.

Globally, heritage tourism is one of the fastest-growing travel segments. Visitors increasingly seek authentic cultural experiences rather than beach holidays alone.

Zanzibar, long famed for its turquoise waters and spice farms, is now positioning its historical legacy as an equally powerful attraction.

The $12 million initiative stands among the largest PPP investments in Zanzibar’s heritage sector in recent history. It reinforces conservation as a central pillar of the islands’ long-term tourism and development strategy.

If successful, the partnership could serve as a blueprint for similar projects across the region, demonstrating how governments and private investors can collaborate to preserve history while generating inclusive economic growth.

As scaffolding rises against ancient coral rag walls and conservation experts begin their meticulous work, a new chapter opens for Zanzibar. The call to prayer will still echo through Stone Town’s alleys.

The sea breeze will still brush against centuries-old facades. But soon, visitors and residents alike may experience these landmarks not as fading relics, but as renewed symbols of a proud and enduring heritage — restored, respected and ready for the future.