Investors urged to strengthen community ties
ZANZIBAR: INVESTORS operating in Zanzibar have been urged to strengthen cooperation with communities living around investment areas to enhance relationships, create employment opportunities and promote sustainable development.
The call was made recently by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communication, Information Technology and Innovation, Ms Fatma Mbarouk Khamis during an Iftar gathering organised by Fumba Town CPS. The event brought together more than 500 residents from Nyamanzi and Dimani villages and was held in Nyamanzi.
Ms Khamis said close collaboration between investors and local communities helps build mutual understanding, prevent potential conflicts in investment areas and strengthen social cohesion.
She added that such partnerships enable communities to benefit directly from development projects through employment opportunities, small businesses and services linked to investment activities.
“Investment projects that prioritise community participation create long-term benefits for both sides. Communities gain social and economic development while investors enjoy a stable and supportive operating environment,” she said.
Ms Khamis commended the company for involving local residents in social activities, describing the initiative as a good example for other investors to emulate. She noted that the government has consistently emphasised that communities surrounding investment projects should be among the first beneficiaries.
According to her, the gathering reflected unity and solidarity between villagers and investors, noting that the company has maintained close engagement with residents for more than ten years since starting operations in the area.
She added that the collaboration has brought mutual benefits, including employment opportunities for nearby communities and cultural exchange, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
“In this area people from different religious backgrounds live together and gatherings like this help strengthen understanding and appreciation of each other’s cultural practices,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Fumba Town CPS Chief Technology Officer Mr Tobias Dietzold said the company organised the annual Iftar during Ramadhan for residents of Nyamanzi and Dimani as a way of giving back to the community.
He said the strong relationship with local residents has contributed significantly to the project’s success, which has created more than 700 jobs through various employment opportunities.
“We live together as one community and it is important to celebrate the success of our project together with the people around us,” he said.
Mr Dietzold added that the project has helped stimulate Zanzibar’s economy and is among the modern housing developments attracting interest from both local and international visitors.
Residents who attended the event praised the company for maintaining close relations with the community.
One resident, Mwanakhamis Mselem Ramadhan from Kombeni, said the company’s engagement with local people has strengthened unity and trust while helping change perceptions among those who once viewed investment as a threat rather than an opportunity.
He encouraged young people to take advantage of employment opportunities created by investors for their personal advancement and national development.
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Another resident, Maulid Maaoud Khatib from Dimani, said investors have consistently maintained good relations with the community and supported residents in various ways.
Similarly, Sanaa Suleiman Hassan, also from Dimani, commended the company for inviting local residents to the Iftar gathering, saying the gesture reflects strong solidarity between investors and the surrounding community.
