Zanzibar rallies Diaspora investors

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR is intensifying efforts to attract investment from its diaspora community, with the government pledging continued reforms to create a more conducive environment for Tanzanians living abroad to participate in economic development.

Minister of State in the President’s Office (State House), Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, made the remarks while addressing members of the diaspora at the closing of the three-day Zanzibar Investment Summit (ZIS) 2026 ended yesterday in Zanzibar.

She said the government has expanded opportunities for diaspora engagement in economic and social development through investment, trade, tourism and the promotion of the Kiswahili language.

Dr Mkuya noted that Zanzibar’s strong economic growth, supported by major investments in infrastructure, continues to create new opportunities and attract great participation from Tanzanians living abroad.

“The Zanzibar economy is growing rapidly, averaging between 7.3 and 7.4 per cent, driven by significant investments in key sectors, including road infrastructure, health, education and service delivery systems,” she stated.

She noted that the government is addressing challenges facing diaspora investors to create broader opportunities for them to invest in various sectors of the economy.

To strengthen engagement with diaspora communities, Dr Mkuya said the government has introduced a registration system to collect accurate information on their countries of residence, professional skills, expertise and potential business and investment interests.

“The goal is to identify where they are and engage them effectively in business, investment and skills transfer,” she explained.

Dr Mkuya described Zanzibar as a model in legal and policy reforms aimed at attracting diaspora investment, expressing satisfaction with the growing number of diaspora members investing in sectors such as health, education and other areas.

She commended the diaspora for their contribution to national development and assured them that the government will continue improving the investment climate.

“We understand that you sometimes face various challenges, but we are committed to addressing them,” Dr Mkuya stressed.

The minister also underscored the importance of diaspora expertise, inviting professionals, particularly in the health sector, to return and contribute their skills and services.

She pledged continued cooperation with diaspora communities to ensure that knowledge and experience acquired abroad are effectively utilised at home.

Dr Mkuya expressed confidence that the summit, which brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including diaspora members, would unlock new opportunities in the blue economy, health, housing, tourism, science and technology sectors.

Zanzibar Director of Diaspora Affairs, Mr Haji Gora Haji, said the government’s efforts to create an enabling environment form part of a broader strategy to position Zanzibar as a leading tourism, trade and investment hub in East Africa.

Meanwhile, Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) Executive Director, Mr Saleh Saad Mohammed, assured investors that the authority will continue safeguarding investments in Zanzibar and ensuring the security of their capital.

Earlier, Tanzania’s Ambassador to China, Dr Suleiman Haji Suleiman, called for continued organisation of investment forums both locally and internationally to promote Zanzibar and Tanzania globally and attract more investors.

He said such initiatives would help increase investment inflows, stimulate economic growth and strengthen the diaspora’s contribution to Zanzibar’s sustainable development.