Zanzibar focuses on improved infrastructure to lift up blue economy

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Minister for Infrastructure, Communication and Transport Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed has said that a strong and reliable infrastructure is crucial for Zanzibar to successful implement its blue economy development plans.

He said the government is doing everything in its powers to ensure improved infrastructure in the isles so that other plans could be effectively achieved.

“It is difficult to achieve the goals without improved infrastructure, achieving the expected efficiency and progress in this sector will be challenging,” he said.

He insisted that well developed infrastructure will accelerate positive economic growth and contribute to the realisation of the Zanzibar Vision 2050.

The statement is contained in his speech, read on his behalf, by the Deputy Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Mr Ali Abdulhussein Ghulam, at the opening of an academic symposium on infrastructure transformation for the growth of Zanzibar’s blue economy.

Mr Ghulam stated that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar is committed to ensuring that ports, beaches, tourism infrastructure, roads, and airports provide a major boost to the economy, attracting more tourists and investors to the islands.

Addressing participants at the symposium, which was organised by first-year students of the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), studying International Relations and Diplomacy, Ghulam emphasised that strengthening infrastructure will directly contribute to economic growth, job creation, business development, and the overall well-being of citizens.

He further highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing the fishing industry and seaweed farming by improving port infrastructure, especially for deep-sea fishing, allowing fishermen to harvest highquality fish in sufficient quantities.

He said significant progress has already been made, with investments in fishing infrastructure such as markets, landing sites, fish storage facilities, and the construction of boats and fishing equipment.

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“The government has also heavily invested in research and technology by strengthening scientific and technological infrastructure to conduct in-depth studies on marine resources. This will help identify new economic opportunities and optimise the sustainable use of these valuable resources,” he explained.

Mr Ghulam also noted that the government is supporting trade and entrepreneurship by ensuring improved transport infrastructure, which enables local entrepreneurs to start and expand their businesses, thereby strengthening the economy and social welfare.

“Various measures have been taken, from building modern markets to creating favourable policy environments that allow entrepreneurs to operate efficiently and achieve maximum productivity,” he added.

However, he cautioned that sustainable economic growth requires peace and cooperation among the government, the private sector, development partners, and the wider community.

Addressing the field of International Relations and Diplomacy, Ghulam commended the students for their creativity in organising the symposium and encouraged the institute’s leadership to address the challenges facing students in this field to create a more conducive learning environment.

He called on ministries and institutions across Zanzibar to collaborate with the Institute of Public Administration by offering students internship opportunities and using the institution to enhance the skills of their employees.

On his part, the Chairman of the Board of the Zanzibar Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Dr Idrissa Muslim Hija urged students of the Institute of Public Administration to set clear career goals and understand what they want to achieve after graduation.

Speaking during the closing of the symposium, Mr Hija said: “Students must plan their career paths wisely and not simply follow others’ choices without personal commitment. Do not enroll in a course just because your friend or relative is studying it. Pursue what you truly love and have a passion for, this is the key to excellence.” Earlier, the Deputy Principal for Administration, Planning, and Finance at IPA, Dr Hamad Khamis Said explained that the symposium aligns with the competency-based curriculum already adopted by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.