Mwinyi calls on Tanzanians to invest in booming tourism sector

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Hussein Mwinyi has called on local investors to seize the growing opportunities in the country’s booming tourism sector.

Speaking during the inauguration of the newly constructed Zanbreez Beach Resort and Spa in Kikungwi, South Unguja, Dr Mwinyi said the project is a clear example of how collaboration between the government and domestic investors can drive economic growth and create employment for youth, while empowering local businesses to compete with international players.

“I am impressed by this investment, but there are many more opportunities waiting to be explored,” Dr Mwinyi said.

“I encourage Tanzanians to take advantage of them.”

The president noted that the tourism sector in Zanzibar has made remarkable strides, with a sharp increase in visitor arrivals and new investments.

According to the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), a total of 202 projects worth 2.0 billion US dollars (about 5.6tri/-) have been registered in the sector, resulting in a rise in tourist arrivals from 260,000 in 2020 to 736,000 in 2024.

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The Unguja South Region leads in tourism-related investments, hosting 105 of the 202 projects.

Dr Mwinyi said that the government will continue reviewing and reforming policies to create a more enabling environment for investment.

“We have strengthened ZIPA into a one-stop investment centre. Services are now streamlined through electronic systems, enabling an investor to obtain a certificate within 24 hours once all requirements are met,” he said.

He added that a new investment law, enacted in 2023, has lowered the capital threshold required for local investors in the tourism sector, allowing them to access incentives previously available only to larger investors.

He urged ZIPA to carry out thorough assessments of domestic investors and advise the government on sustainable strategies that protect national interests while strengthening the investment climate.

Dr Mwinyi also called on citizens to maintain peace and national unity, describing them as essential for attracting and sustaining investment.

“The growth of tourism means growth of the economy, increased revenues and expanded employment opportunities,” he noted, also encouraging investors to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Minister of State in the President’s Office (Labour, Economy and Investments), Mr Sharif Ali Sharif praised President Mwinyi for creating a favourable environment for investment in Zanzibar.

ZIPA Executive Director, Mr Saleh Saad Mohammed, said the Zanbreez Resort, valued at 10bn/-, is one of 512 projects registered under the eighth phase government.

Project Manager, Mr Ashok Rajvan, said the decision to invest in Zanzibar was influenced by the region’s attractive investment climate.

He expressed confidence that the project would contribute to job creation and broader social and economic development in the area.