Z’bar eyes investors for people-centred growth

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has said the government is keen to attract investors whose projects not only generate profits but also directly improve the livelihoods and welfare of citizens.

Dr Mwinyi made the remarks while officially opening the Mazizini Fish Market in the Urban West Region, as part of celebrations marking the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution.

He said Zanzibar continues to welcome investors who implement projects that create employment opportunities and enable local communities to improve their incomes and living standards.

Speaking in November last year after inaugurating the Tembo Kiwengwa Beach Resort & Spa in North Unguja, Dr Mwinyi pledged to fast-track reforms aimed at creating a faster, friendlier and more predictable investment climate, positioning the Isles as East Africa’s leading destination for high-value tourism and private sector growth.

He said his administration will intensify pro-investor measures in the second term of the Eighth Phase Government to ensure both local and foreign investors operate in a transparent, efficient and supportive environment.

The President commended the resort’s Zanzibari owners for investing locally, describing the 10 million US dollars (about 25bn/-), five-star project as a strong vote of confidence in government policies and a model for other citizens with the capacity to invest.

“We should celebrate investments by local citizens. I encourage more local people to invest in their own country. The government offers a special incentive,”

Dr Mwinyi said during the colourful ceremony attended by investors, government leaders and area residents.

Meanwhile, President Mwinyi also officiated the opening of a mosque named after him Masjid Hussein Ali Mwinyi which, together with the fish market, was constructed with funding from Omani investor Naadhim Alrahman at a total cost of 400,000 US dollars.

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He praised the investor for the quality of the projects, saying they had transformed the area and created a conducive environment for fishermen and local traders to conduct their activities efficiently.

The President urged residents to take good care of the facilities by maintaining cleanliness and ensuring they remain in good condition at all times.

He also formally handed over the mosque to the Office of the Mufti of Zanzibar and the fish market to the Ministry of Blue Economy.

Earlier, the Member of Parliament for Kiembe Samaki constituency, Mr Ali Halil Mirza, commended President Mwinyi for creating a favourable investment climate that continues to attract investors, and called on citizens to support government initiatives.

Oman’s Honorary Consul in Zanzibar, Mr Said Salim Alsnawy, urged institutions responsible for managing the facilities to ensure proper maintenance and thanked the investor for his contribution to Zanzibar’s development.