Zanzibar eyes global investment hub status ahead of 2026 summit

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has set its sights on becoming a leading global hub for investment and diversified tourism, as the government steps up preparations for the Zanzibar Investment Summit (ZIS) 2026 scheduled for June.

The Minister for Labour and Investment, Mr Shariff Ali Shariff, said the government is taking deliberate measures to position the Isles as a prime destination for international investors across multiple sectors.

Speaking to journalists at his office in Mwanakwerekwe, the minister said efforts are underway to address key investment bottlenecks, particularly access to reliable electricity and the availability of land.

“We have already initiated land reclamation projects in areas such as Bwawani and Mpiga Duri to create new spaces for investment,” he said, noting that land scarcity has long constrained large-scale projects.

On energy, Mr Shariff said the government is implementing several power generation initiatives aimed at eliminating electricity shortages and supporting rapid economic growth. He revealed that a solar energy project expected to generate 30 megawatts will soon come materialise.

The minister added that Zanzibar is actively inviting investors to explore opportunities in renewable energy, including solar, wind, ocean waves and waste-to-energy projects, as part of a broader strategy to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

He emphasised that reliable power will be critical in unlocking growth in key sectors such as industrial development, sports tourism, conference tourism and other emerging segments.

Meanwhile, the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) has confirmed that the Zanzibar Investment Summit (ZIS-2026) will take place from June 3 to 5 at the Golden Tulip Zanzibar Airport, bringing together about 500 participants from within and outside the country.

Mr Shariff said the high-profile event is expected to attract international investors, policymakers, business leaders, development partners and members of the diaspora, providing a platform to showcase Zanzibar’s investment potential and strengthen partnerships for sustainable economic growth.

Held under the theme “Promoting Investment Diversification for Sustainable Development in Zanzibar: Shaping Zanzibar’s Next Growth Story,” the summit reflects the government’s commitment to broadening the economic base and accelerating inclusive development.

“The event will officially be opened by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi,” he said, underscoring the government’s strong support for private sector-led growth and strategic investment collaboration.

According to the minister, the summit will feature a range of activities, including investment site visits, an investment expo, high-level policy dialogues, masterclasses on priority sectors and dedicated diaspora engagement sessions.

Business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) meetings are also planned to facilitate partnerships and commercial deals, alongside a gala dinner that will recognise top investors of 2025. The gala is expected to be held at Diamonds Bijoux, Bwejuu.

In addition, the minister said ZIPA has launched a logo design competition for the summit, inviting creatives to submit entries reflecting Zanzibar’s investment vision. The winner will receive a cash prize of 2m/- and be honoured during the gala dinner.

The authority also unveiled the official summit website, where participants can register and access detailed information on schedules, speakers, exhibitions and sponsorship opportunities.

Mr Shariff called on investors, financial institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to take part in the summit, describing it as a key milestone in opening a new chapter of economic growth and sustainable development for Zanzibar.