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Zanzibar eyes to become model for island economies globally

PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has said that Zanzibar has the potential to become a model for other island economies worldwide by aligning its efforts with global sustainability goals.

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has said that Zanzibar has the potential to become a model for other island economies worldwide by aligning its efforts with global sustainability goals.

“We are at a pivotal moment in our development journey. The investments we attract today will shape the Zanzibar of tomorrow. As we look ahead, we must position ourselves not only as a destination but as a hub for innovative and sustainable investment,” Dr Mwinyi said.

He made the remarks while gracing the opening of the two-day Zanzibar International Tourism and Investment Show (ZITIS) underway at Nyamanzi International exhibition area in Unguja West B district.

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Dr Mwinyi said that infrastructure development, renewable energy projects, hospitality ventures, and cultural heritage initiatives all have a role to play in this transformation.

The President said the Zanzibar government remains committed to fostering a business-friendly environment and actively working to streamline processes, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and provide incentives that attract responsible investment.

“I take this opportunity to reaffirm that Zanzibar is open for business, ready to welcome partners who share our vision of sustainable growth and long-term prosperity,” Dr Mwinyi said at the event he described as highlighting the value of collaboration.

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ZITIS was organized by the Zanzibar Ministry of Tourism and Heritage; the Commission for Tourism Zanzibar; and the private sector, the collaboration which Dr Mwinyi commended as important in strengthening Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

“PPP is essential mechanisms for achieving our shared objectives, and through cooperation and dialogue, we can align public    policies with private-sector innovation to build a resilient and inclusive tourism economy,” he explained as he envisioned this show becoming an annual tradition, growing in scope and influence each year.

Dr Mwinyi called for collective efforts that aspire to make the Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Show a premier event not only in East Africa but on the international stage, and “With greater participation from global stakeholders, we can position Zanzibar as a leader in tourism and investment excellence, drawing attention to our unique strengths and competitive advantages.”

He pointed out that tourism and investment are not abstract concepts, but they are about people’s livelihoods, the education of our children, and the preservation of our cultural identity, which are at the heart of what Zanzibar aims to achieve.

He stressed that it is essential that the benefits of tourism and investment reach every corner of Zanzibar islands, empowering local communities and creating opportunities for all, but “As we pursue economic growth, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to environmental conservation.”

Dr Mwinyi “Our forests, coral reefs, and wildlife are treasures that we must protect. Initiatives such as marine conservation areas, sustainable fishing practices, and eco-tourism ventures demonstrate our dedication to preserving our ecosystems for future generations.”

The show includes exhibitions, panel discussions, and networking sessions where Mr Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, Minister of Tourism and Heritage said that the gathering was an extraordinary event, not just to celebrate tourism and investment but to create new opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and set a clear path for Zanzibar’s future as a leader in sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.

He said that for Zanzibar, Tourism is the lifeblood of its economy, contributing significantly to employment and foreign exchange earnings and it touches every part of society, driving infrastructure development, and fostering cross-cultural exchange.

Mr Soraga said “Our aim today is not merely to promote Zanzibar as a beautiful destination but to position it as a dynamic and responsible market for investment. We envision a future where sustainable tourism development is at the core of our economic agenda—a future where tourism enriches both the visitor’s experience and the lives of the people of Zanzibar.”

The executive secretary of the Zanzibar commission for tourism Mr Arif Abbas Manji said the Zanzibar Tourism and Investment Show 2024, is a groundbreaking event that holds great significance for the future of tourism and investment in the archipelago.

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He said that the show was created with the vision of aligning tourism and investment as complementary sectors to drive Zanzibar’s economic growth, and that it has attracted 110 exhibitors and 70 international buyers from countries including Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, United Kingdom, Jordan, USA, South Africa, UAE, and Nigeria.

“From the year 2021 to 2024, 162 tourism sector related investments have been made, with a total capital investment of 1,911,184,038 US dollars, (over 5.2 tri/-) creating 9,535 jobs for the people of Zanzibar,” Mr Manji said.

He also explained that Zanzibar has leased out 16 small isles for hotel investments with worth of over 385 million US dollars, “These remarkable achievements further highlight the importance of events like this in fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for the local communities.”