Zanzibar eyes regional tech hub status
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’S ambition to become a regional hub for technology, research and innovation received a boost as President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi visited the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to strengthen cooperation with the institution that established its first international campus in the Isles.
During his visit, Dr Mwinyi toured the institute’s Research and Innovation Centre, various departments, laboratories and specialised research hubs, gaining firsthand insight into cuttingedge technologies and scientific innovations designed to address socio-economic and health challenges.
IIT Madras Director, Prof Veezhinathan Kamakoti briefed him on the institute’s research programmes and innovation initiatives that brought together academics, researchers, students, entrepreneurs and industry to develop practical technology-driven solutions.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Mwinyi commended IIT Madras for deepening its partnership with Zanzibar, saying the collaboration will help build the capacity of young people, nurture innovation and expand the use of technology to address societal challenges.
“This cooperation will help build the capacity of our young people and enable them to use technology and innovation as tools for development,” he said.
President Mwinyi also visited the IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, a premier innovation hub affiliated with IIT Madras that focuses on advancing research, skills development and technological solutions in artificial intelligence, communication systems, cybersecurity, data science and control systems.
His tour further covered the Heritage Science Centre, the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems and Traditional Medicine, the Advanced Brain Research Centre and the Anatomy Laboratory, where he observed the application of modern technologies in teaching, diagnostics and medical research.
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To further strengthen the partnership, IIT Madras announced that it will launch a six-week international training programme in Zanzibar on August 10, 2026.
The programme will bring together participants from across the world, including Zanzibaris, and equip them with practical skills in digital systems, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, auditing, control and financial management.
The visit is expected to further strengthen cooperation between the Zanzibar and IIT Madras, which recently established its first international campus in Zanzibar.
The partnership supports the government’s broader vision of transforming the Isles into a regional centre for higher education, technology, research and innovation in Africa.
Dr Mwinyi was accompanied by the First Lady, Mariam Mwinyi, Zanzibar Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Lela Mohamed Mussa, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Dr Ngwaru Maghembe, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to India, Anisa Kapufi Mbega and other officials from Zanzibar and Union governments.
