Why Zanzibar economy grows at 7.1pc

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has said that the isles economy is growing at 7.1 per cent following execution of various development projects, including agriculture and infrastructure for provision of services.

Dr Mwinyi revealed this during a special interview with Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC) held at Zanzibar State House.

He said Zanzibar agriculture focuses on special areas, including paddy and spices such as cloves and  black peppers.

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Dk Mwinyi said that his government has secured funds from   the government of Korea for the construction of irrigation infrastructures in paddy farms which will help to boost productivity.

“We have also decided to focus on high value crops such as spices, cloves  and black  peppers… we decided to focus on such areas due to limited land so that when you sell one kilogram you earn a lot, ” he said.

He said the government has also given priority on seaweed because Zanzibar is leading in Africa in the crop production where 80 per cent of farmers are women.

Dr Mwinyi noted that to date the government has distributed 500 boats to help the women in harvesting the crop and provide them with training on how they can cultivate seaweed with high value.

He said after the Covid 19, the government decided to stimulate the economy by constructing various infrastructure by involving private companies in order to increase currency circulation.

Dr Mwinyi said the government has spent more than 200bn/- in execution of various projects in social and economic sectors, including construction of many schools, hospitals, improve electricity and water supply.

He added that the government has also constructed infrastructure for attracting investment such as the construction of Pemba Airport and roads and has set aside special areas for an industrial park.

“We have also reduced taxes in order to attract people to invest in Pemba with the aim of stimulating development in the island,” he said.

On fisheries, he said the government wants people to practice commercial fishing, noting that the government will construct a special fishing port, fish processing factories and cold rooms and export the commodity.

He said to date the government has provided modern fishing boats to allow people to fish in the deep sea.

Dr Mwinyi noted that they expect the fishing port to be complete by 2026.

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