Trade, industry surge in Mwinyi’s first 100 days

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development has reported significant progress in industrial growth, business reforms, and market expansion during the first 100 days of implementing the 2025–2030 CCM Election Manifesto.

Acting Minister of the docket Mr Shariff Ali Shariff told journalists over the weekend that the ministry’s mandate includes promoting industrial development, improving the business environment, and ensuring that local products access both domestic and international markets.

He noted that Articles 70 and 71 of the manifesto task the government with reinforcing trade and industry under President Hussein Mwinyi’s second term.

Mr Shariff said the government is prioritising industrial expansion as a key driver of economic growth. Investments continue to flow into industrial zones, with infrastructure developments in Dunga, Chamanangwe, and Pangatupu.

In North Pemba’s Chamanangwe area, the Simba Developer water project is 30.41 per cent  complete and will provide safe water to industrial investors and surrounding communities.

At Dunga Zuze Industrial Area, three major projects worth 203.9bn/- are underway: a pharmaceutical plant by Africa Biochem Pharma Co. Ltd, a textile factory by Mama Africa Textile Ltd, and a fabricated metal works plant by Arines Co. Ltd.

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These projects are expected to raise the industrial sector’s GDP contribution from 20.8 per cent to 25 per cent by 2030, create jobs, reduce imports, and stimulate domestic trade.

The Zanzibar Seaweed Company (ZASCO) is implementing a seaweed processing plant in Chamanangwe, South Pemba, to increase farmers’ incomes, create jobs for youth and women, and boost government revenue. Machinery is scheduled to arrive in two batches, in March and June 2026, for production of pelletized fertiliser and liquid bio-stimulants.

The ministry has also made strides in improving trade processes and market access. Clove trade supervision ensures farmers receive 15,000/- per kilogramme, over 80 per cent of the export market price, with the number of major buyers rising from three to seven.

During the 100-day period, the Zanzibar State Trading Corporation (ZSTC) exported 3,702 tonnes of cloves valued at 59.88bn/-, exceeding the target of 2,827 tonnes. A total of 3,423.65 tonnes worth 55.45bn/- were purchased locally for value addition.

Price inspections were conducted in 375 retail shops, 18 warehouses, and four supermarkets, resulting in penalties and guidance for nine traders violating regulations.

Additionally, 29 business registration certificates were issued, and 86 export permits granted for products including scrap metal, marine products, wheat bran, and textiles. Consultations with 17 authorities were held to harmonize nuisance fees, particularly for pharmacies, reducing costs for businesses and citizens.

The ministry organised 12 trade exhibitions under the theme “Building Inclusive Growth Through Trade and Innovation,” with 316 participants, including local entrepreneurs, government institutions, private companies, and international traders from Uganda, Burundi, DRC, Zambia, Mozambique, Egypt, and Brazil.

Preparations are underway for a feasibility study on constructing a 10.7-hectare International Conference and Exhibition Centre in Fumba, aimed at positioning Zanzibar as a regional trade hub. A South Korean consultant started the study by late last month.

The ministry has also reviewed the Copyright Act No. 14 of 2003 to strengthen intellectual property rights, collecting 90.6m/- in royalties to be distributed to rights holders. Plans are underway to build a modern testing laboratory in Chamanangwe, Pemba, to improve quality control of local and imported products.

Through the Business and Property Registration Agency (BPRA), the Ministry has launched an electronic document management system for business and property records, with plans to digitize all records and introduce a digital motor vehicle registration system.

The Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS), in collaboration with the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA), trained local producers, awarding the ZBS Quality Mark to three and testing nine others.

Acting Minister Shariff Ali Shariff said the first 100 days’ achievements reflect the government’s commitment to making trade and industry central pillars of Zanzibar’s economic transformation.