Kizimkazi village wins fishing boat in dhow race

ZANZIBAR: KIZIMKAZI Mikunguni has won a modern fishing boat worth 29m/- after winning the traditional dhow race at the 2026 Kizimkazi Festival in Zanzibar. The village took both first and second places in the race, which brought together 20 competitors from Kizimkazi Mikunguni and Kizimkazi Dimbani in South Unguja.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Dotto Biteko, who was the guest of honour, said the ocean should be viewed as more than a source of fish.

“The ocean is not only a source of fishing activities. It is also an important opportunity for promoting sports, culture, tourism and economic activities,” Biteko said.

He said dhows were an important part of the history and daily lives of coastal communities and urged residents to preserve the traditional technology for future generations. Kizimkazi Mikunguni Sheha Mwachumu Shaka Ali said the boat would support fishing and other activities that could contribute to the village economy.

The race winner, Nassor Hassan Khatib, received 1m/-, while the second- and third-place winners received 800,000/- and 500,000/- respectively, with the competition sponsored by CRDB Bank. Khatib said the prize would help strengthen his fishing activities.

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“I won through the training and practice I have been doing. I am grateful to CRDB for this prize because it will support my fishing activities,” he said.

The bank’s Chief Financial Officer Frederick Nshekanabo said the bank had sponsored the dhow race competition for seven consecutive years as part of its commitment to supporting community development.

South Unguja District Commissioner Othman Maulid Othman said the festival had helped increase incomes and supported the growth of the district and the wider region.

The dhow race has become a major attraction of the Kizimkazi Festival, bringing together residents and visitors while creating opportunities for traders, tourism operators and other service providers.