Unguja, December 23, 2025 – Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has officially launched the Dr Hussein Mwinyi City in the Mombasa area of the Urban West Region, calling on the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) to further strengthen its role in implementing large-scale development projects that contribute to national growth.
The launch of the modern city took place on Tuesday as part of activities marking the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, underscoring the government’s broader agenda of promoting planned urban development and improving living standards for citizens.
Speaking at the event, President Mwinyi said social security funds have proven to be important drivers of development in many countries, noting that their investments go beyond member benefits to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and support key sectors such as construction.
He commended ZSSF for investing in the development of modern and affordable housing, describing the Dr Hussein Mwinyi City as a timely intervention in addressing Zanzibar’s growing demand for decent and planned residential areas.
The President urged the fund to expand its investment focus by venturing into major infrastructure projects, including electricity and energy-related investments, noting that ZSSF has already demonstrated capacity through successful projects such as markets, bus terminals and residential housing.
President Mwinyi said Zanzibar needs modern, well-planned cities with quality infrastructure and a distinct urban character to enable citizens to live in safe and dignified environments.
However, he observed that many residents still live in unplanned settlements and substandard housing, a situation that continues to pose environmental and urban management challenges.
He therefore called on citizens to support government initiatives aimed at improving urban planning and promoting sustainable development, adding that the success of new cities depends on collective responsibility and proper maintenance.
The launch of Dr Hussein Mwinyi City also coincided with the unveiling of affordable housing units and a newly constructed mosque, Masjid Balad Salaam, which is expected to serve the spiritual and social needs of residents in the area.
President Mwinyi further urged ZSSF and residents of the new city to jointly take responsibility for maintaining the houses and infrastructure to preserve their quality, value and appeal over time.
In another development, the President approved ZSSF’s request for land to construct office premises within the Kisakasaka Government City.
He directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing Development to allocate the required land, emphasising that the offices should be modern, high-quality and serve as a model for public institutional buildings.
The launch of the new city reflects the Zanzibar Government’s continued commitment to working with social security institutions to accelerate urban development, expand access to affordable housing and enhance the overall welfare of citizens.