Zanzibaris urged to strengthen trade links
ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar government has called on local and international business operators to strengthen commercial relationships as a way of promoting the islands globally and accelerating economic growth through trade exhibitions.
The call was made by Minister of State-Office of the Second Vice-President (Policy, Coordination and the House of Representatives), Mr Hamza Hassan Juma, during the closing ceremony of the 12th Zanzibar International Trade Fair, held in Nyamanzi in Dimani constituency.
He said the government remains committed to strengthening the annual exhibition to ensure it delivers greater impact in boosting trade and the national economy.
“Trade exhibitions reflect the spirit of the Glorious Zanzibar Revolution,” Hamza said.
“Following the 1964 Revolution, Zanzibaris made a deliberate decision to pursue economic self-reliance through entrepreneurship, business and self-employment.” He added that trade fairs play a vital role in promoting Zanzibar, connecting business actors and creating opportunities for sustainable economic development.
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Mr Hamza commended Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, for his strong commitment to advancing Zanzibar’s socioeconomic development through a clear and practical development vision.
“President Dr Mwinyi is implementing, in practical terms, the vision of the Founder of the Revolution, the late Mzee Abeid Amani Karume,” he said. He added: “He has overseen the construction of multi-storey schools, hospitals, modern housing projects and ensured free education. These are all fruits of the Revolution and a continuation of the path laid down by Mzee Karume.”
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development, Dr Habiba Hassan Omar, said the strong participation of business stakeholders had significantly contributed to the success of the exhibition-2026 and the growth of the country’s trade sector.
“The main objective of the Mapinduzi exhibition is to bring together entrepreneurs and businesspeople to exchange ideas, gain innovative skills, access markets for their products, expand experience and learn how to tap into various sources of capital,” she said.
Dr Habiba revealed that a total of 316 exhibitors from Zanzibar, Mainland Tanzania and foreign countries took part in the fair, representing both the public and private sectors and showcasing a wide range of products and services.
On his part, National Chairman of the Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), Ali Amour said the exhibition remains a crucial platform for connecting local and international traders, opening new market opportunities and strengthening business partnerships.
