TOURISM, INVESTMENT GROWTH: Z’bar eyes more electricity
ZANZIBAR: THE government of Zanzibar is looking forward to generate reliable electricity to sustain various growing development projects, expanding tourism sector and other investment initiatives in the isles.
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi told the European Union (EU) commission at the State House that the expansion of both social and economic activities necessitates increased power generation to ensure smooth operations across various sectors.
The commission was led by the EU Director-General for Africa, at the European External Action Service, Ms Rita Laraujinha. President Mwinyi explained that for a long time Zanzibar has been receiving 100MW of electricity from Tanzania mainland through underwater cables, which is currently insufficient.
He said there is need for alternative sources of energy to ensure smooth operations of various economic and social activities in the isles. He said Zanzibar is considering generating more power through solar, wave or wind power.
He asked the EU to explore the possibility of assisting Zanzibar in the area. Moreover, Dr Mwinyi said his government is also considering waste-to-energy initiatives as an alternative source of electricity.
“This step is not only a way to generate energy but also to manage waste, as there has been a significant challenge in managing the waste generated daily,” said Dr Mwinyi.
On empowering women economically, Dr Mwinyi explained the government’s intention is to strengthen, capacitate and provide expertise to seaweed farmers, 90 per cent of whom are women.
The aim is to uplift the seaweed industry by establishing small and mediumsized factories to process and add value to the product, instead of selling raw seaweed as a commodity.
President Mwinyi insisted on the need for EU to support Zanzibar in its efforts to boost the economy through strategic sectors, including the Blue Economy and Tourism, which are priority sectors for his administration.
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He highlighted that Zanzibar is currently focusing on modern tourism, which encourages conference, sports and health tourism, whereas previously the emphasis had been more on beach and heritage tourism, which has been the mainstay for a long time.
Regarding investment matters, he invited EU countries, particularly the private sector to explore investment opportunities in Zanzibar, as many areas, especially in the Blue Economy sector through Tourism, Ports, Oil and Gas and the maritime transport sector remain untapped.
Dr Mwinyi also addressed gender issues, stating that his government is making every effort to ensure gender balance in all areas, including education, economy, politics and social welfare.
He requested the EU to support Zanzibar in these areas, particularly in building the capacity of women with the aim of empowering them.
On her part, Ms Laraujinha commended Zanzibar for the cooperation it provides in EU-managed projects and assured President Mwinyi that they would continue to support his government in its development, particularly in health, education and the Blue Economy.
She noted that the EU is impressed with the peace and stability in Zanzibar and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting efforts to maintain this peace and ensure that democracy continues to follow its course for the overall development of the country and its people.as a commodity.
President Mwinyi insisted on the need for EU to support Zanzibar in its efforts to boost the economy through strategic sectors, including the Blue Economy and Tourism, which are priority sectors for his administration.
He highlighted that Zanzibar is currently focusing on modern tourism, which encourages conference, sports and health tourism, whereas previously the emphasis had been more on beach and heritage tourism, which has been the mainstay for a long time.
Regarding investment matters, he invited EU countries, particularly the private sector to explore investment opportunities in Zanzibar, as many areas, especially in the Blue Economy sector through Tourism, Ports, Oil and Gas and the maritime transport sector remain untapped. Dr Mwinyi also addressed gender issues, stating that his government is making every effort to ensure gender balance in all areas, including education, economy, politics and social welfare.
He requested the EU to support Zanzibar in these areas, particularly in building the capacity of women with the aim of empowering them.
On her part, Ms Laraujinha commended Zanzibar for the cooperation it provides in EU-managed projects and assured President Mwinyi that they would continue to support his government in its development, particularly in health, education and the Blue Economy.
She noted that the EU is impressed with the peace and stability in Zanzibar and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting efforts to maintain this peace and ensure that democracy continues to follow its course for the overall development of the country and its people.
