Marine resources hold key to economic growth – ACT’s Othman
ZANZIBAR: ACT-Wazalendo presidential candidate Mr Othman Masoud Othman has pledged to transform Zanzibar’s marine resources, particularly the sardine trade, into a formal, profitable sector that can significantly boost the country’s economy.
Addressing fishermen and sardine processors at Mangapwani in North B District, Unguja over the weekend, Mr Othman said if elected, ACT led- government will significantly lift up the country’s vast marine wealth. He said the party will implement meaningful reforms, which benefit the citizens.
“Sardines are a major business that can generate substantial income for our people and strengthen the national economy. But because of weak systems, foreigners dominate the trade while our own fishermen remain exploited,” he said.
Mr Othman vowed that under an ACT-Wazalendo government, fishermen and processors would receive better working conditions, including the construction of modern drying sheds, cold storage facilities and access to real-time global market prices.
“It is disheartening to see our people still drying sardines on mats under the sun. During the rainy season, business comes to a standstill. My government will formalise this sector and ensure Zanzibar’s sardines reach markets around the world,” he added.
He also announced plans to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), especially those dependent on the sea, with affordable and accessible loans free from bureaucratic hurdles.
ALSO READ: CCM pledges transformative development for Dar
Meanwhile, at a campaign rally in Pangawe, Unguja, Mr Othman unveiled a bold education reform agenda, including an ambitious plan to provide every secondary school student with a personal laptop.
“Zanzibar can no longer rely on outdated systems that fail to equip our young people for the digital era. Technology is the foundation of modern development. Every student will have their own laptop to study, research and prepare for the digital economy,” he told a cheering crowd.
He stressed that the programme would not be a political giveaway, but a strategic investment in the country’s future. In addition to laptops, the ACT-Wazalendo government plans to establish innovation and education hubs equipped with modern laboratories and digital training facilities.
The proposed education overhaul would also include curriculum reforms, enhanced teacher training in digital skills and significant investment in school infrastructure.
Mr Othman said that ACT-Wazalendo’s education reforms aim to empower youth, reduce unemployment and position education as a key driver of national development.
