The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has extended a warm invitation to investors from the United Kingdom to explore the diverse investment opportunities available in Zanzibar.
Speaking at a dinner event held in London on April 7, 2025, Dr. Mwinyi emphasized the significant potential for growth in various sectors, including the blue economy, tourism, marine transport, fisheries, energy, and digital infrastructure.
The event was organized by the Eastern Africa Association of the United Kingdom and was attended by directors from a number of UK-based trade and economic institutions.
During the evening, President Mwinyi underscored the importance of fostering stronger economic ties between Zanzibar and the United Kingdom, stating that Zanzibar's growing economy presents numerous opportunities for international investors to contribute to the region’s development while benefiting from the burgeoning sectors.
Dr. Mwinyi highlighted the remarkable progress Zanzibar has made over the last four years, noting that the island's economy has been growing at an impressive rate of over seven percent.
“In the past four years, Zanzibar’s economy has expanded at a rate exceeding seven percent, driven by significant investments across various sectors,” President Mwinyi said.
He further stressed that this growth has been fueled by substantial investments in various industries, which have not only enhanced the island’s infrastructure but also positioned Zanzibar as a key player in East Africa’s economic landscape.
One of the key areas that President Mwinyi drew attention to was Zanzibar’s blue economy. He explained that Zanzibar has vast untapped resources in the ocean, which can support sustainable industries such as marine transport, fisheries, and aquaculture.
“Zanzibar is blessed with immense marine resources, and we are keen to see UK investors engage with the blue economy. We believe this sector offers great potential for sustainable growth and job creation,” he said.
He encouraged UK investors to take advantage of these opportunities to help develop the blue economy, which has become increasingly important for the island’s economic future.
In addition to the blue economy, Dr. Mwinyi also highlighted Zanzibar’s thriving tourism industry. Zanzibar has long been a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance.
“Zanzibar’s tourism sector continues to grow and we invite UK investors to join us in expanding this industry further. With a rich history and a unique cultural appeal, Zanzibar is a prime destination for tourism investments,” Dr. Mwinyi remarked.
The island continues to attract millions of visitors each year, and the government is committed to expanding the tourism sector further, including through investments in infrastructure, luxury hotels, and eco-tourism initiatives.
With its unique position as a global tourism hub, Zanzibar offers a wealth of opportunities for UK investors interested in the hospitality and tourism industries.
Furthermore, Dr. Mwinyi noted that Zanzibar is placing a strong emphasis on digital infrastructure as part of its long-term development plan.
“We are building the digital infrastructure necessary to support a modern economy. We encourage UK investors with expertise in digital technologies to help us expand this vital sector,” the President said.
The government is focused on building modern digital networks to support a knowledge-based economy and improve connectivity both locally and internationally.
The president urged UK investors to consider investing in this growing sector, as Zanzibar seeks to enhance its digital capabilities and improve its technological infrastructure.
Another sector that President Mwinyi strongly encouraged UK investors to consider was fisheries, particularly seaweed farming.
Zanzibar is the leading producer of seaweed in Africa, and the global market for seaweed continues to expand rapidly.
“Zanzibar is Africa’s number one producer of seaweed, and the market for this valuable resource is growing. We invite investors to explore the opportunities within this thriving sector,” he said.
Seaweed farming has the potential to provide significant economic benefits, both in terms of employment and export revenues.
Dr. Mwinyi emphasized the importance of diversifying Zanzibar’s agricultural output and fostering sustainable farming practices in the region.
The dinner event also served as an opportunity to showcase Zanzibar’s commitment to creating a favorable investment environment.
President Mwinyi reiterated that the government is actively working to improve the business climate by implementing reforms that simplify regulations, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and offer incentives for foreign investors.
“We are focused on creating a business-friendly environment, and we want UK investors to know that Zanzibar is open for business,” Dr. Mwinyi stated.
This is part of the government’s broader efforts to encourage private sector participation in the island’s economic growth and development.
President Mwinyi’s invitation to UK investors marks an important step in strengthening Zanzibar’s international economic partnerships.
With a growing economy, a wealth of natural resources, and a government committed to creating a favorable investment climate, Zanzibar is well-positioned to become a key destination for global investors looking to tap into the potential of East Africa.
