President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has affirmed Zanzibar’s commitment to strengthening economic diplomacy with Zimbabwe, emphasizing that the time is ripe to deepen bilateral cooperation beyond historical political ties.
Speaking at the State House in Zanzibar during a courtesy visit by Zimbabwe’s newly appointed Ambassador to Tanzania, Hellen Bawange Dingani, President Mwinyi underscored the importance of shifting focus toward economic collaboration that brings tangible benefits to both nations.
“Tanzania and Zimbabwe share a rich history rooted in the liberation struggles of the African continent. That foundation has served us well politically, but now is the time to build on it economically,” Dr. Mwinyi said.
The President highlighted key sectors with potential for bilateral cooperation, including trade, tourism, and investment.
He proposed the organization of a joint business forum that would bring together entrepreneurs and investors from both countries to explore and leverage opportunities for mutual growth.
“Zanzibar offers a wide array of economic opportunities. With enhanced cooperation, we can create a framework for Zimbabwean businesses to engage in meaningful partnerships here,” he noted.
President Mwinyi also pointed out that while Zanzibar currently receives tourists from Zimbabwe, there is significant room to increase these numbers through strategic partnerships in the tourism sector.
In response, Ambassador Dingani expressed Zimbabwe’s appreciation for Tanzania’s unwavering support during Africa’s liberation movements, and reaffirmed her country’s readiness to work more closely with both the Union Government and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
“Zimbabwe deeply values its historical ties with Tanzania and sees this moment as an opportunity to strengthen people-to-people and government-to-government relations through economic diplomacy,” she said.
Ambassador Dingani further emphasized the continued cooperation between the ruling parties of the two nations Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) as vital in safeguarding the legacy of Africa’s liberation movements amidst emerging political challenges across the continent.
She concluded the meeting by delivering official greetings and a message of goodwill from Zimbabwe’s President, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, to President Mwinyi.
