Zanzibar news

Zanzibar news Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Zanzibar news, News & Media Website, Dodoma.

For years, cotton farmers in Tanzania, especially in the Western and Eastern Cotton-Growing Areas, struggled with low pr...
06/09/2026

For years, cotton farmers in Tanzania, especially in the Western and Eastern Cotton-Growing Areas, struggled with low productivity despite investing considerable effort in the crop.

The farmers involved used to practise poor agronomic practices, including unfavourable planting spacing of 40 cm × 90 cm, with average yields of about 200 to 300 kilograms of seed cotton per acre.

To that end, the Government, through the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and its Mwanza-based Ukiriguru Centre, joined efforts with key cotton stakeholders to improve farmers’ performance through the implementation of a special project.

Dubbed the “Cotton Victoria Project” (CVP), the $5,802,019.08 Tanzania flagship cotton initiative worked to expand the cultivation scope and improve productivity in the production of the economic fibre crop among farmers in Tanzania.

The initiative, which is now phasing out, was initiated during the 2016/17 growing season and was implemented jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture of Tanzania, the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), the Brazilian Cotton Institute (IBA), the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), TARI-Ukiriguru and the Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB).

The project successfully reached and assisted an estimated 517,343 farmers in at least eleven cotton-growing regions across the country.

As part of its positive outcomes, today, a different picture is emerging, as the adoption of improved production technologies promoted under the Cotton Victoria Project has enabled some farmers to harvest more than 1,000 kilograms per acre—a transformation that is changing not only cotton production but also household livelihoods.

The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and the Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB), in collaboration with Dr. Everina Lukonge, the project’s Local Coordinator for Tanzania, Kenya and Burundi, have embarked on documenting the project’s achievements, success stories and impacts among beneficiary farmers as the project comes to an end.

The documentation exercise has taken the team to Western and Eastern Cotton-Growing communities in selected districts across Mwanza, Simiyu, Mara, Geita, Tabora, Singida, Morogoro and Katavi regions.

The wide geographical coverage provided an opportunity to assess how the technologies promoted under the project have influenced cotton production and farmers’ livelihoods in different production environments.

The documentation exercise began on August 19, 2026, and ended on September 1, 2026, engaging District Agricultural and Livestock Officers (DALFOs) to understand the changes brought about by the project at the district level.

Ward extension officers, Cotton Inspectors from the Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB), AMCOS leaders and farmers were subsequently interviewed to capture their experiences and perspectives on the technologies introduced through Cotton Victoria.

According to Mr. John Choto, an Agricultural Extension Officer in Misungwi District, one of the most significant changes has been the adoption of improved cotton planting spacing.

“Farmers used to get an average seed cotton production of 200 kg per acre using the former 40 cm × 90 cm planting spacing, unlike over 1,000 kg per acre after adopting the new 30 cm × 60 cm planting spacing under the Cotton Victoria Project,” he explained.

The impact of the project becomes even more visible through the notable achievements brought about by increased cotton production.

For example, in Hazina Village, Nyangokolo Ward, Bariadi District, Ms. Teleza Godfrey, a cotton farmer and beneficiary of the project, says the improved technologies have contributed significantly to changes in her household.

Through increased cotton production after adopting the new planting spacing and organomineral fertilizer technologies, Teleza says she has been able to construct two modern houses and purchase cattle.

Mr. Mkama Nyahonge, a cotton farmer from Blendabufye Ward, has not only experienced increased cotton production but has also been recognised by the Government through TCB for his achievement, receiving a 75 HP SWARAJ tractor together with its implements after producing a total of 2,600 kilograms of seed cotton per acre during the 2025/2026 cropping season.

“I have built a new house, and 15 farmers (12 male and 3 female), including my neighbours, are successfully using the technologies of Cotton Victoria,” said Nyahonge.

For Mkama, the tractor represents more than a reward. It is a symbol of how improved agricultural practices can create opportunities for farmers to expand their production and influence other members of their communities.

His experience also demonstrates an important element of the Cotton Victoria approach: technology adoption can spread from individual farmers to wider farming communities.

As successful farmers demonstrate the benefits of improved practices, neighbouring farmers gain confidence to adopt the same technologies.

“The agricultural technologies promoted under the Cotton Victoria Project, including the recommended 60 cm × 30 cm planting spacing, manual trimming and the use of organomineral fertilizers, have brought remarkable changes in cotton production across the Eastern Cotton-Growing Area.

“Production has increased from an average of about 800 tonnes to the current 3,800 tonnes,” said Mr. Ndawagala, an Agricultural Officer and Cotton Inspector for the Eastern Cotton-Growing Area.

The Eastern Cotton-Growing Area covers Morogoro, Iringa, Tanga, Pwani and Kilimanjaro regions. According to Mr. Ndawagala, the adoption of these improved cotton production practices has not only increased cotton yields but has also contributed to noticeable improvements in farmers’ livelihoods.

“Significant changes in farmers’ livelihoods have been observed. Many farmers have been able to construct modern houses and purchase cattle, demonstrating the positive economic benefits resulting from improved cotton production,” he added.

Consequently, the project’s impact extends beyond increased yields. For beneficiary farmers, higher cotton productivity has created opportunities to construct better houses, purchase livestock, acquire agricultural machinery and improve household economic security. At the community level, successful farmers are also becoming examples for neighbouring farmers, encouraging wider adoption of improved technologies.

Members of the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) from Njombe Region have paid a one-day working visit ...
06/09/2026

Members of the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) from Njombe Region have paid a one-day working visit to Barrick’s Buzwagi Mine in Kahama District, which is undergoing closure.
The delegation commended the professional manner in which the closure is being handled in line with international standards, while leaving a sustainable legacy, including the transformation of the former mine site into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Speaking during the visit, ALAT Njombe Chairperson, who is also ALAT National Vice-Chairperson, Agnetha Mpangile, said the purpose of the visit was to learn about the implementation and management of projects under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies and regulations.
She said the overall objective was to deliver positive outcomes for communities, as Barrick has successfully done through impactful projects in areas surrounding its mines in Tanzania.
“We came here to Buzwagi and, although we found the mine in the final stages of closure, we have witnessed how professionally the closure process has been undertaken, leaving a significant positive environmental and ecological footprint. We commend the Government for transforming the former mine site into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ),” Mpangile said.
She said the ALAT delegation visited various parts of the former mine site, which now feature attractive landscapes and sustainable environmental improvements that are expected to continue benefiting surrounding communities, as well as investors seeking opportunities within the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone.
The SEZ is already showing potential to become a major business hub serving Tanzania’s Lake Zone regions and neighbouring countries, while contributing to the country’s economic growth. The delegation also visited CSR projects implemented by the mine that continue to benefit local communities.
“One of the major lessons we have learnt is how effectively these community projects have been implemented, particularly the management of CSR funds and the involvement of communities in identifying priority projects. This provides a model that can be replicated by our district councils, municipalities and cities,” Mpangile said.
Briefing the delegation on behalf of the Buzwagi Mine Closure Manager, Barrick Community Relations Officer Yunia Wangoya said Barrick would continue working closely with the Government throughout the process to ensure the project is completed in accordance with international standards.

She said the objective was for Buzwagi to serve as a benchmark for responsible mine closure by ensuring that the former mining area hosts sustainable projects that continue to benefit surrounding communities and the nation as a whole.
“The responsibility of a sustainable mining company is not only to create value for stakeholders during the life of a mine, but also to ensure that it leaves behind a positive legacy that continues to serve communities long after mining operations have come to an end at Barrick Buzwagi,” Wangoya said.
The delegation was also briefed on several projects implemented by the mine, including a clean and safe water project involving a rainwater filtration facility at Mwendakulima. The project, which is being implemented under the Kahama Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (KUWASA), is expected to cost TSh 4.8 billion.
Once completed, the project is expected to serve more than 66 per cent of Kahama Municipality’s residents and help address water shortages.
Barrick has also upgraded Kahama Airport, which can now accommodate between 200 and 250 passengers at a time, helping to improve air connectivity and facilitate business activities.
In addition, Barrick Buzwagi has supported communities surrounding the mine to establish sustainable agricultural and livelihood projects, including beekeeping and poultry farming initiatives targeting young people and women.
For approximately 15 years, Buzwagi Gold Mine was a major economic hub in Tanzania’s Shinyanga Region. At its peak, Buzwagi was the second-largest mine in Tanzania and employed about 3,000 people.
Its operational life came to an end in July 2021, and the mine was officially closed in July 2022.

A new vehicle financing partnership between Bank of Africa Tanzania and CFAO Mobility Tanzania Limited has been inked wi...
06/09/2026

A new vehicle financing partnership between Bank of Africa Tanzania and CFAO Mobility Tanzania Limited has been inked with an eye to help entrepreneurs, professionals, SMEs and businesses expand their operations by improving access to vehicles as productive assets.
The timely collaboration is designed to enable eligible customers to obtain new and eligible pre-owned vehicles from CFAO Mobility while spreading the cost through structured financing, allowing them to preserve cash flow and put the vehicles to productive use.
The initiative is expected to assist business expansion, personal mobility, transportation, logistics, trade and tourism by making it easier for customers to access vehicles from globally recognized brands distributed by CFAO Mobility Tanzania, including Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki and Fuso.
According to the two companies, the value of the partnership will ultimately be reflected in what customers are able to achieve with the vehicles they acquire, particularly through increased business capacity, improved distribution and logistics and expansion of vehicle fleets.
Speaking on the partnership, CFAO Mobility Tanzania Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Ali TIMIMI, said the robust initiative would help make mobility more accessible by connecting customers with both the right vehicle and a practical financing pathway.
“At CFAO Mobility Tanzania, we believe mobility is an important driver of economic opportunities. For many of our customers, a vehicle is not simply a means of transport; it is an asset that helps them run a business, serve their customers, grow their operations and create value. Our partnership with Bank of Africa Tanzania is about making that opportunity more accessible,” he said.
He added that the collaboration would create a more connected customer journey, from selecting the appropriate vehicle to accessing financing needed to put it to work.
“By bringing together BOA Tanzania’s financing capabilities with CFAO’s automotive expertise and range of trusted brands, we are creating a more connected customer journey; from choosing the right vehicle to accessing the right financing needed to put it to work,” he said.
Mr TIMIMI stated that the process had been designed to be straightforward, practical and responsive to the needs of mutual customers.
He added, the impact of the partnership would be measured by the economic opportunities created through vehicle ownership.

“Whether it is an entrepreneur expanding a business, a professional improving their mobility or a company growing its fleet, we are pleased to work with BOA Tanzania to help more customers move forward,” he said.
Speaking at the launch event, Bank of Africa Tanzania Head of Corporate Banking , Mr Khalifa Zidadu said the partnership would help address the financing gap faced by customers seeking to acquire vehicles while maintaining sufficient cash flow for their businesses and households.
“Access to reliable and productive assets remains an important financing need for individuals and businesses in Tanzania. Vehicles are particularly important because they are not only a means of transport; for many entrepreneurs and businesses, they are income-generating and productivity-enhancing assets,” Mr Zidadu said.
He noted that, affordability and access to financing remained major considerations for customers seeking to acquire vehicles.
“The challenge for many customers is not necessarily the need for a vehicle, but the ability to meet the upfront cost while preserving cash flow for their businesses and households,” he said.
According to Mr Zidadu , the partnership addresses the challenge by combining CFAO’s vehicle brands and automotive expertise with Bank of Africa Tanzania’s financing capabilities.
“This partnership addresses that gap by combining CFAO’s trusted vehicle brands and automotive expertise with Bank of Africa Tanzania’s financing capability, giving customers a structured pathway to acquire the vehicle they need without placing unnecessary pressure on their liquidity,” he said.
He further added, the bank’s ambition was to go beyond financing vehicle purchases and support the economic activities enabled by the assets.
“Whether that is a transport operator expanding a fleet, an SME increasing distribution capacity, a tourism business improving its services, or an individual acquiring an asset for personal and professional use, we want to support the economic activity that the vehicle enables,” he said.
The partnership comes at a time when access to appropriate financing remains an important priority for Tanzania’s SME sector.
The Bank of Tanzania has highlighted initiatives aimed at improving access to credit for SMEs, particularly businesses with viable projects but limited access to traditional forms of collateral.
Commenting on the customer proposition, Bank of Africa Tanzania Head of Retail Banking, Mr Asupya Nalingigwa, said the partnership had been designed to simplify and shorten the process of acquiring vehicles through financing.
“For us, the customer journey is at the heart of this partnership. A customer should be able to identify the vehicle they want, receive the necessary guidance, access financing and complete the purchase through a coordinated process between CFAO and BOA Tanzania,” Mr Nalingigwa said.
He said the objective was to make the process as seamless and efficient as possible so that eligible customers could obtain their asset finance on time and put their vehicles to use without unnecessary delays.
“Our vehicle asset finance solution offers eligible customers financing depending on ability to pay, with a repayment period of up to 48 months, for the purchase of new and eligible pre-owned vehicles from CFAO,” he said.
The facility comes with competitive interest rates, a minimum customer contribution, comprehensive motor insurance and life cover.
“More importantly, we have worked closely with CFAO to create a seamless customer journey, ensuring that customers can move efficiently from selecting their preferred vehicle to financing and acquisition, enabling them to obtain their asset on time and put it to productive use,” Mr Nalingigwa said.
CFAO’s Director of Marketing and Sales, Tharaia Ahmed, said the partnership initiative pave the way for economic opportunities for business people, farmers and entrepreneurs involved in the transportation of goods and service delivery.
“Our vehicles are of high quality and environmentally friendly. This presents a unique opportunity for farmers transporting produce products from farms to markets, as well as businesses transporting various goods outside the country,” Ms Ahmed said.

Tanzania’s timber industry is experiencing a much-needed economic shift from a traditional focus on timber to value-adde...
05/09/2026

Tanzania’s timber industry is experiencing a much-needed economic shift from a traditional focus on timber to value-added products, with plywood and veneer among the key products being manufactured.

This positive development continues to attract an influx of investment from different countries, including China and India.

Speaking during Innovation Week Tanzania 2026, the sector’s thinking tanks urged Tanzania to increase value addition to forest products by shifting from exporting raw timber to producing high-value goods to boost economic growth.

Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) forest and environmental economics specialist, Prof. Yonika Ngaga, said greater value could be generated by processing timber into finished products such as furniture instead of exporting it in its basic form.

“If you cut a tree and turn it into timber before exporting it, you have not added enough value. That timber should be used to make furniture and further processed to maximise returns,” he said.

According to him, carbon-related activities, including measuring and monitoring forests, also offer emerging opportunities for technology-driven youth.

Beyond technology, Prof. Ngaga noted that young Tanzanians could invest in less capital-intensive ventures such as seedling production and timber drying, noting that the country currently produces only about half of the seeds required to meet demand.

He added that the transformation presents new opportunities for young people, particularly those combining forestry expertise with technology and digital solutions.

“Growing demand in international markets for traceable products has created space for innovation, including systems that track the origin, harvesting and transportation of forest products,” the don observed.

On his part, the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Ubora Forestry Solutions, Mr Daudi Kilonzo, said the forestry sector offers investment opportunities across the entire value chain, from seeds and planting to processing and furniture manufacturing.

He stated that some opportunities require minimal capital, while professionals can also provide advisory services on tree species selection, management and production.

“Finland is currently supporting innovative forestry businesses through the Green Catalytic Fund, which has allocated about two million euros to expand enterprises and improve market access,” he said.

The Coordinator for Development Cooperation and Forestry Programmes at the Embassy of Finland in Tanzania, Mr William Nambiza, described forestry as “green gold,” noting that the sector contributes between three and five per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides up to 500,000 jobs.

He, however, cited weak linkages between research and end-users as a key challenge, calling for stronger collaboration among researchers, extension officers, policymakers and industry players.

He also stressed the need for improved quality standards and greater consumer awareness to enhance the competitiveness of local forest products.

Mr Nambiza informed that Finland has supported Tanzania’s forestry sector for over 50 years through human resource development, technology transfer and sustainable forest management.

Increasing value addition, he noted, could significantly boost employment and income, noting that only 35 to 40 per cent of a tree is currently utilised, leaving substantial waste.

The Community Resilience and Livelihoods through Mangrove Restoration and Agroforestry Project has been initiated in Zan...
05/09/2026

The Community Resilience and Livelihoods through Mangrove Restoration and Agroforestry Project has been initiated in Zanzibar, with an aim of promoting the restoration and production of mangrove trees and shrubs that grow in tropical and subtropical coastal intertidal zones where other plants cannot survive.

Launched collaboratively by STAWI Africa Foundation and Graine de Vie Luxembourg (GdVL), the three-year initiative, “Mikoko Hai”, has been tailored to restore mangrove ecosystems in Chwaka Bay and Menai Bay, while helping coastal communities build more resilient and sustainable livelihoods.

The South Unguja Regional Commissioner, Hamida M***a Khamis, graced the official launch of the robust project, which is set to operate in at least 15 Shehias within the nature-given archipelago.

Briefing about the initiative, STAWI Africa Foundation Chairperson, Ms Eva Wasonga, said the project is about bringing degraded ecosystems back to health, while also strengthening the people who depend on those ecosystems.

“This is a key community project. Our mangroves have always sustained the people who live alongside them, and today we begin the work of giving that relationship a future,” she expressed.

Moreover, Ms Wasonga noted that STAWI Africa is working in sync with Graine de Vie Luxembourg, the Department of Forestry and community partners, adding that the organisation is confident the initiative will help restore the coastline while strengthening both people and the environment for generations to come.

Mangrove restoration is at the heart of the project, but the programme goes beyond planting trees.

The significance of Mikoko Hai lies in its decision to approach conservation and livelihoods as interconnected challenges rather than separate priorities.

At the centre of implementation will be Eco Credit Groups, which will serve as direct beneficiaries and key community actors across the 15 Shehias.

As part of the project’s implementation, through these groups, communities will be supported to engage directly in mangrove restoration, protection and sustainable management, while developing the knowledge and skills needed to pursue alternative sources of income.

Communities will also be supported through agroforestry and eco-agriculture demonstration farms, fruit and indigenous tree nurseries, a community fruit-drying plant and energy-efficient cookstoves.

During the launch, Regional Commissioner Hamida M***a Khamis described mangroves as one of Zanzibar’s major natural assets, highlighting their role in protecting the coastline, supporting fish and other marine organisms, helping address the effects of climate change and creating economic opportunities.

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is implementing a robust strategy to boost the performance of the blue...
02/09/2026

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is implementing a robust strategy to boost the performance of the blue economy sector in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Implementation of the strategy is in accordance with the Mainland Tanzania National Blue Economy Policy (2024) and the Zanzibar Blue Economy Policy (2022).

Under the ongoing strategy, the Mainland and Zanzibar Governments are collaborating to strengthen interventions on professional supervision and development of blue economy resources.

The interventions being implemented include joint coordination of blue economy issues, development of sustainable marine spatial planning, public awareness on the blue economy, as well as coordination of international and regional agreements pertaining to the blue economy.

The development has been unveiled by Deputy Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Reuben Kwagilwa, while responding to questions from lawmakers during the ongoing Parliament session in Dodoma Capital.

He noted that the strategy incorporates rolling out of capital support to women and youth in diverse areas of the country with blue economy opportunities, with the purpose being to ensure that more Tanzanians venture into and benefit from the prestigious economic sector.

He detailed that, through the USD 150 million-worth project on climate change, which is being implemented in a total of 65 councils with blue economy opportunities countrywide, out of which 15 councils are based in Zanzibar, citizens are being provided with an opportunity to acquire financial support to engage in the sector.

The Deputy Minister observed that the blue economy is a sector which involves a number of other sectors, ranging from fishing, transportation, energy and tourism, saying the Government was continuing to run a series of public awareness campaigns to attract more Tanzanians to take part in the sector.

“The blue economy sector employs millions of Tanzanians. For example, the fishing sector per se employs at least one million people in the country, with its contribution to the country’s GDP now standing at 2.2 percent,” he detailed.

He informed the House that Tanzania has so far managed to make major strides in the blue economy sector, both regionally and internationally.

Due to such achievements, the Deputy Minister told the House that Tanzania has been picked to host the Twelfth Conference of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention.
He said the forum will delve on the key discussion on sustainable blue economy in the western Indian Ocean region.

“The meeting will attract ten countries, including Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, France, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Africa and the host, Tanzania,” he said.

Hosting such a high-level blue economy summit communicates a clear message over the extent to which Tanzania is performing strongly in the economic sector.

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is implementing a robust strategy to boost the performance of the blue...
02/09/2026

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania is implementing a robust strategy to boost the performance of the blue economy sector in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Implementation of the strategy is in accordance with the Mainland Tanzania National Blue Economy Policy (2024) and the Zanzibar Blue Economy Policy (2022).

Under the ongoing strategy, the Mainland and Zanzibar Governments are collaborating to strengthen interventions on professional supervision and development of blue economy resources.

The interventions being implemented include joint coordination of blue economy issues, development of sustainable marine spatial planning, public awareness on the blue economy, as well as coordination of international and regional agreements pertaining to the blue economy.

The development has been unveiled by Deputy Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Reuben Kwagilwa, while responding to questions from lawmakers during the ongoing Parliament session in Dodoma Capital.

He noted that the strategy incorporates rolling out of capital support to women and youth in diverse areas of the country with blue economy opportunities, with the purpose being to ensure that more Tanzanians venture into and benefit from the prestigious economic sector.

He detailed that, through the USD 150 million-worth project on climate change, which is being implemented in a total of 65 councils with blue economy opportunities countrywide, out of which 15 councils are based in Zanzibar, citizens are being provided with an opportunity to acquire financial support to engage in the sector.

The Deputy Minister observed that the blue economy is a sector which involves a number of other sectors, ranging from fishing, transportation, energy and tourism, saying the Government was continuing to run a series of public awareness campaigns to attract more Tanzanians to take part in the sector.

“The blue economy sector employs millions of Tanzanians. For example, the fishing sector per se employs at least one million people in the country, with its contribution to the country’s GDP now standing at 2.2 percent,” he detailed.

He informed the House that Tanzania has so far managed to make major strides in the blue economy sector, both regionally and internationally.

Due to such achievements, the Deputy Minister told the House that Tanzania has been picked to host the Twelfth Conference of the Parties to the Nairobi Convention.

He said the forum will delve on the key discussion on sustainable blue economy in the western Indian Ocean region.
“The meeting will attract ten countries, including Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, France, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, South Africa and the host, Tanzania,” he said.

Hosting such a high-level blue economy summit communicates a clear message over the extent to which Tanzania is performing strongly in the economic sector.

Efforts by the Government of Zanzibar to attract more tourists to the archipelago are gaining strong momentum after the ...
02/09/2026

Efforts by the Government of Zanzibar to attract more tourists to the archipelago are gaining strong momentum after the Isles scooped three prestigious honours at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026, held in Zanzibar.
The Government of Zanzibar is implementing a number of strategies aimed at achieving its vision of attracting more than one million visitors to the Isles before 2030.
With the latest awards, Zanzibar continues to carve out a successful niche as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations, reflecting growing international recognition of its attractions, cultural heritage and diverse tourism products.
During the awards ceremony held in Bwejuu, South Unguja, Zanzibar was named Africa’s Leading Beach Destination 2026, Africa’s Leading Festival & Events Destination 2026 and Africa’s Leading Regional Tourism Board 2026.
The awards recognise Zanzibar’s position among Africa’s leading tourism destinations and the collective efforts of the Government and tourism stakeholders to promote and develop the sector.
Acting Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Mr Mudrik Ramadhani Soraga, said the awards were a source of pride for Zanzibar and reflected the archipelago’s unique beauty, rich cultural heritage and the hospitality of its people.
He said the recognition also demonstrated the positive results of strategies being implemented to strengthen tourism, one of the key sectors driving Zanzibar’s economic growth.
“Zanzibar is famous for its spectacular beaches, unique history and culture, as well as festivals and various events that attract visitors from different parts of the world,” Mr Soraga said.
According to him, winning the three awards highlights Zanzibar’s progress in improving tourism services and promoting its attractions in international markets.
Tourism stakeholders, including tour operators, development partners and various institutions, also welcomed the recognition, saying the awards acknowledge the contribution of different players towards the growth and promotion of Zanzibar’s tourism industry.
Kombo Hamad Salim, a tour operator, described the recognition as a collective achievement involving all stakeholders who continue to promote and support Zanzibar as a leading tourism destination.
He said cooperation among stakeholders had been an important pillar behind the achievements recorded by the Isles.
According to tourism stakeholders, the latest awards are expected to provide further momentum for developing the sector, improving tourism services and strengthening Zanzibar’s position in the increasingly competitive African and global tourism markets.
Zanzibar also performed strongly at the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean ceremony held in Dar es Salaam in 2025, where it won Africa’s Leading Beach Destination and Africa’s Leading Festival & Events Destination.
The addition of the Africa’s Leading Regional Tourism Board award this year marks further progress and underscores Zanzibar’s growing recognition on the international tourism stage.

Address

Dodoma
41000

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Zanzibar news posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Zanzibar news:

Shortcuts

Share