ACT Wazalendo has placed digital education at the centre of its campaign promises, pledging to equip every secondary school student in Zanzibar with a laptop as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at preparing young people for the global digital economy.
Addressing supporters at Mzee Mgeni Grounds in Pangawe, the party’s presidential candidate said the initiative was not a political giveaway but a direct investment in the nation’s human capital.
He argued that technology is no longer optional, but an essential foundation for competitiveness in today’s world.
“When students lack access to digital tools, they are effectively excluded from opportunities to learn, innovate and compete internationally. Our plan ensures every student owns a laptop for learning and research, bridging the gap between Zanzibar and other countries,” he said.
The candidate further pledged to establish education and innovation hubs that would serve as centres for science, technology, and creativity.
These hubs would house modern laboratories, research facilities and incubators to encourage practical problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking among young people.
He was critical of the current education system, describing it as outdated and unable to provide graduates with practical skills for the job market.
He promised to overhaul curricula, recruit digitally skilled teachers, and upgrade school infrastructure to support the laptop programme.
“Education must prepare young people not only for employment but also for self-reliance,” he said.
The pledges drew enthusiastic responses from residents. Parents and youth in attendance said the proposals would help close the skills gap and improve job readiness.
“A laptop for every student is a long-awaited dream. This would prevent our children from being left behind,” said Fatma Khamis, a resident of Pangawe.
Alongside its education agenda, the party raised concerns about alleged financial irregularities in the renovation of Amani Stadium.
Campaign manager Ismail Jussa claimed the project’s reported cost far exceeded that of larger stadiums elsewhere, suggesting misuse of public funds.
He cited the example of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, which was renovated for TZS 31 billion despite accommodating 60,000 spectators, compared with the TZS 52–102 billion reported for the 12,000-capacity Amani Stadium.
Party candidate Othman Masoud said such discrepancies reflected weaknesses in governance and underscored the need for greater accountability.
He called for institutional reforms to restore public trust, stressing that economic progress required transparent leadership and effective management of resources.
“Zanzibar is blessed with land, tourism and marine resources. The problem is not a lack of opportunities but the absence of leadership that ensures those opportunities benefit citizens,” he said. He further noted that youth unemployment remained one of the biggest challenges, requiring long-term investment in education, skills and innovation.
Masoud urged voters to consider the broader vision of ACT Wazalendo, which includes tackling unemployment, strengthening accountability, and fostering national unity.
“Zanzibar once enjoyed a reputation for progress and civilisation. Restoring that dignity requires a change in leadership and renewed commitment to the welfare of our people,” he said.