Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has promised to build an international airport in Pemba if re-elected in the October 29, 2025 general election, saying the project will open up the island commercially and economically.
Addressing a large campaign rally at Gombani ya Kale grounds in Chake Chake on September 20, Dr. Samia said the facility would boost tourism, attract investment, and provide cargo services for local businesses transporting goods directly to and from Pemba.
“We want Pemba to become a hub of trade and development,” she said, adding that the government would also complete the Chake–Koani road and proceed with the construction of Wete Port through a loan secured from South Korea. “Funds are already in place, and this will help strengthen infrastructure for growth.”
The CCM candidate urged residents to maintain peace as the election campaign season intensifies.
“This is a time when others may provoke you. Please do not be provoked. I am often provoked but I remain calm. I ask you to follow the same path and safeguard our unity,” she said.
Dr. Samia underscored CCM’s 2025–2030 manifesto theme, “Work and Dignity, We Move Forward,” stressing that national development begins with individual effort.
“When you work, you uplift both the nation and your own dignity. Work brings income, and income enables personal progress. But if you remain idle, your dignity is at risk,” she told supporters.
She pledged that her government would create at least 350,000 jobs annually in both the formal and informal sectors, with a strong focus on youth employment.
She also highlighted the government’s responsibility to address citizens’ challenges and transform complaints into action plans.
The CCM manifesto outlines a number of commitments for Pemba, including expansion of the airport runway, construction of a new passenger terminal, promotion of clove, seaweed, and coconut production, and improved social services to reduce preventable deaths.
The manifesto also proposes establishing a national food reserve and petroleum storage facilities to ensure stability in supply and cushion the economy against global price shocks.
According to Dr. Samia, her administration’s priorities for Zanzibar will align with advancing the blue economy, agriculture, manufacturing, and digital transformation.
She emphasized that incentives will be introduced to encourage private sector investment in key sectors.
“Together, the Union Government and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar will continue to work hand in hand to deliver meaningful development for our people,” she said.
The Pemba rally marked Dr. Samia’s first campaign stop on the island, following her earlier meetings in Makunduchi, South Unguja, and Nungwi, North Unguja.