Mwinyi reaffirms commitment to boosting investment

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment by improving transport infrastructure.

Dr Mwinyi highlighted that the development of airports, road networks, seaports and other key infrastructure will attract more investors to Zanzibar.

Speaking over the weekend in Pingwe Village, Michamvi in Unguja South Region, where he officiated the opening of Shukrani Palace Hotel, President Mwinyi said: “In addition to improving infrastructure, we are taking further steps to review our tax laws and regulations to offer incentives that will encourage investors to choose Zanzibar.”

He also emphasised the government’s dedication to advancing Zanzibar in science and technology.

While expressing gratitude to Nada Group for their investment in the hotel sector, he assured that the government will continue to provide extensive support to all investors.

Dr Mwinyi further noted that Pemba Island, designated as a strategic investment area, is open to investors.

He underscored that ongoing infrastructure improvements and other large-scale projects aim to attract more tourists to the region.

“Tourism is currently the largest contributor to economic growth, accounting for about 30 per cent of our GDP. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance tourist attractions by promoting sports and conference tourism,” Dr Mwinyi added.

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He detailed the government’s strategic projects for Unguja and Pemba Islands, including the reconstruction and expansion of Pemba Airport, the construction of seaports at Mpiga Duri and the development of Malindi, Mangapwani and Shumba seaports. He urged citizens to support these initiatives.

The president also stressed the importance of maintaining security for investors, tourists and residents, as well as ensuring peace and political stability, to allow investors to operate successfully.

“Increased investments in Zanzibar will lead to more job opportunities for young people and women. I urge investors to prioritise local content when hiring staff, purchasing local products for use in hotels, fulfilling Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and complying with tax regulations,” Dr Mwinyi said.

Addressing issues of unreliable water and electricity supply in the Unguja South Region, Dr Mwinyi reassured both investors and residents that the government is working swiftly to resolve these challenges.

Shukrani Palace Hotel investor, Mr Tinu Nhajan, commended Dr Mwinyi for his visionary leadership, stating, “We decided to invest in Zanzibar due to the favourable investment environment.”

The Director of the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), Mr Saleh Saad Muhammed, reported a significant increase in investment projects during Dr Mwinyi’s tenure. Around 380 new projects, valued at 5.5 billion US dollar, have been registered, with an expectation of creating 20,000 jobs for Tanzanians.

He added that the Shukrani Palace Hotel project, initially registered with an estimated capital of USD 6.5 million, reached a total investment of 19 million US dollar upon completion. The five-star hotel comprises 10 buildings with 100 rooms and has already created 245 jobs for locals.

Mr Muhammed also noted that the Unguja South Region has been a focal point for investment, with 137 hotel projects—representing 39 per cent of all projects registered by ZIPA—being established in the area over the past three years.