Zanzibar marks 10 years of Seaweed Day

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR marked a major milestone last week as stakeholders across government, civil society, the private sector and farming communities gathered at Golden Tulip Airport Hotel to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Seaweed Day.

Organised by the Zanzibar Seaweed Cluster Initiative (ZaSCI), this year’s commemoration highlighted a decade of growth, innovation and resilience in the seaweed industry, a sector that has become a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s Blue Economy.

Seaweed Day was first declared a national commemoration by former President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein in 2015, following early collaborations between ZaSCI and Milele Zanzibar Foundation (MZF).

“We started with a vision to uplift the seaweed sector through consistent engagement, awareness and advocacy,” said Mr Mhando Wazir from MZF. From a single sponsor in its early years, the initiative has since grown to involve a wide network of stakeholders.

Over the decade, awareness campaigns, expert exchanges, including a visit from an Indonesian seaweed processing specialist, and support from international partners such as KOICA, TradeMark Africa, and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have strengthened the value chain.

Government-backed infrastructure such as the stateowned seaweed company and processing factory have also been established to empower farmers and add value to the product.

ZaSCI’s senior officer Ms Alice Mushi traced the journey from just 30 members in 2015 to over 4,000 today, the majority being women, including more than 600 small-scale processors. “This growth speaks volumes about the interest and potential of seaweed farming, especially in creating jobs for women and youth,” she said.

Ms Joice Denis from Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation emphasised their continued commitment to supporting seaweed farmers, noting that the industry provides a source of income for thousands of women across the islands.

Mr Ayubu Misheli Singoye, Aquaculture Specialist at TNC, presented on best management practices (BMPs) in seaweed farming. These include techniques like the “double-made loop” for planting, seaweed farming calendars and ecosystem-friendly practices that take into account surrounding mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs.

He acknowledged progress but also stressed the need to invest more in value addition. “Most seaweed products from Tanzania are still low quality by international standards. We must invest in improving product quality to access global markets,” Singoye urged.

Ms Fatma Mbaruok Khamis, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development, officiated the event and affirmed the government’s commitment to building the sector. She revealed plans to develop poultry feed using seaweed as a base material, part of a broader strategy to diversify product uses and raise farmer incomes.

“The seaweed sector is vital. We must work together, government, farmers, processors, and the private sector, to address challenges such as pricing, logistics and climate change,” she said.

Dr Makame Omar Makame from the Ministry of Blue Economy added that the government is finalising marine spatial planning to avoid conflict and ensure better sea space allocation for seaweed farming. He also noted recent research has identified new areas suitable for largescale cultivation.

Financial institutions have also joined the movement. Mr Rahim Mkoko from Equity Bank reaffirmed the bank’s support for seaweed farmers. Meanwhile, Mr Mathew Wanjala from TradeMark Africa stressed that “value addition, marketing, and processing are the next frontiers if we are to elevate the industry.”

Despite progress, many challenges persist. Ms Khadija Sharif of MZF pointed to the low-price farmers receive, currently 700/- per kilogram, as a key concern. She called for a coordinated approach among donor-funded projects, warning that “project-based support often leaves farmers stranded once a project ends.”

“We have over 50 locally made seaweed products, but awareness and consumption remain low,” she added, emphasising the need for innovation, climate resilience and improved access to finance.

Stakeholders unanimously agreed that the next decade must focus on deeper value chain development, youth inclusion and global market expansion. Proposed innovations include producing biodegradable packaging and food additives from seaweed, expanding digital markets, and increasing local consumption.

As the Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) noted in its address, “Seaweed is a national economic asset. Our role is to strengthen its value chain from farming to processing, markets, and investment.”

Officer from ZNCC Mr Haji Weka Abdulla also highlighted its ongoing projects that empower youth entrepreneurs in Pemba and facilitate market access through trade exhibitions and financial literacy.

Seaweed Day has grown from a small advocacy effort into a national platform for dialogue, innovation, and economic empowerment. As Zanzibar reflects on 10 years of achievements, the message is clear: with sustained collaboration, innovation, and investment, seaweed farming has the potential to transform not just individual lives but the economy of the entire archipelago.

ALSO READ: Climate change threatens Tanzania’s seaweed revolution

Seaweed Day is commemorated every year on July 23rd in Zanzibar to celebrate the contributions of seaweed farmers and promote sustainable marine resource use under the Blue Economy. While at the global level- the World Seaweed Day on every June 4, and this year’s (2025) theme is “Saving the ocean’s sustainable powerhouse”.

This day focuses on raising awareness about the vital role of seaweed in ocean ecosystems and human industries, emphasising its potential for sustainability and climate solutions.