Mwinyi pledges faster, friendlier investment climate
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Hussein Mwinyi has pledged to speed up reforms to create a faster, friendlier and more predictable investment climate, positioning the Isles as East Africa’s top destination for high-value tourism and private sector growth.
Speaking on Wednesday after inaugurating the new Tembo Kiwengwa Beach Resort & Spa in North Unguja, Dr Mwinyi said his administration will intensify pro-investor measures in the second term of the Eighth Phase Government to ensure that both local and foreign investors operate in an environment that is transparent, efficient and supportive.
The President commended the resort’s Zanzibari owners for investing locally, describing the 10 million US dollars, five-star project as a powerful vote of confidence in government policies and a model for other citizens with capacity to follow.
“We should celebrate investments by local citizens. I encourage more local people to invest in their own country. The government offers a special incentive,” Dr Mwinyi said during the colourful ceremony attended by investors, government leaders and area residents.
The new investment is expected to create over 140 jobs, with only four positions reserved for foreigners.
Dr Mwinyi praised the developers for adopting green construction standards, integrating renewable energy systems and engaging closely with surrounding communities.
“Such investments demonstrate what is possible when local investors work hand in hand with their government to drive economic transformation,” he said.
Tourism performance continues to strengthen, with 743,605 visitors recorded between January and October 2025. In October alone, arrivals surged by 24.2 per cent to 86,740, up from 69,860 in the same month last year.
Dr Mwinyi attributed the growth to the peace and stability maintained by Zanzibaris, particularly during the October 29 general election.
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He further revealed that the Eighth Phase Government has attracted 586 investment projects worth 6.8 billion US dollars since 2020, creating 28,331 jobs.
This year alone, 129 new projects have been registered. North Unguja, where the new hotel sits, has secured 144 projects valued at 2.1 billion US dollars over the past five years, producing 7,765 jobs.Looking ahead, Dr Mwinyi outlined key priorities including completing the third phase of the e-investment system to eliminate bureaucratic delays; upgrading infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity in all investment zones; and offering tailored incentives for local investors.
Other priorities include strengthening tax and financial policies and promoting manufacturing, fisheries and marine processing, maritime transport, healthcare, aviation and ICT.
“Large inflows of capital must translate into jobs, skills transfer and local procurement to ensure tangible benefits for the people,” he emphasised.
Earlier, Minister for Labour and Investment Shariff Ali Shariff commended Dr Mwinyi for entrusting him with leadership roles in the previous term, including his earlier tenure as ZIPA Executive Director.
He cited key achievements such as transforming ZIPA into a fully digital one-stop centre with 24-hour certificate issuance and enacting the 2023 Investment Act to expand local investment opportunities.
He also highlighted modernisation of investment zones in Unguja and Pemba, supervision of long-term island leases and expanded global promotional campaigns.
He assured the President that the ministry is fully aligned with national development priorities for the new term.
ZIPA Executive Director Saleh Saad Mohammed confirmed the project’s 10 million US dollars cost and said the resort will offer more than 140 direct jobs.
He reported that 550 investment projects have been registered over the past five years, with notable progress in Pemba and 135 new projects approved in North Unguja alone.
Lead investor Hussein Ibrahim Jusa said the resort marks his first major investment in North Unguja, noting that it features 95 rooms and will employ at least 150 young people.
He highlighted his earlier projects, including Tembo Hotel in Forodhani and Mizingani Park.
North Unguja Regional Commissioner Matar Zahor Masoud pledged continued protection and support for all investors, saying developments such as the Tembo Kiwengwa Resort expand economic opportunities for surrounding communities
