Zanzibar has played a pivotal role in shaping the development of literature and culture across the Indian Ocean world, drawing strength from its long history as a meeting point of civilizations linked through monsoon trade routes connecting Africa, the Arab world, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East.
This was said by the First Lady of Zanzibar, Mama Mariam H. Mwinyi, during the Sharjah Festival of African Literature and Arts (SFAL) 2026, currently underway in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, where she served as Guest of Honour on January 14, 2026.
Mama Mariam, who also chairs the Board of Trustees of the Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF), said Zanzibar’s unique historical experience has produced a rich literary and cultural tradition that continues to influence artistic expression beyond its shores.
She noted that the islands’ cultural legacy is not only preserved through monuments and archives but is actively lived and practiced by communities.
She cited Zanzibar’s Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a global example of “Living Heritage”, where history, architecture, language and customs remain embedded in everyday life.
According to her, this living cultural landscape has helped sustain Zanzibar’s identity while inspiring generations of writers, artists and storytellers.
Addressing the opening session of the festival, Mama Mariam commended the Sharjah Book Authority, under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, for creating a platform that brings African literature and creative works into dialogue with the Arab world.
She said the initiative strengthens cultural ties between the two regions, particularly along the Indian Ocean rim, while opening new opportunities for collaboration among writers, publishers and artists.
She further underlined the commitment of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, led by President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable development.
She said the government recognises culture not only as a symbol of national identity but also as a pillar of tourism, social cohesion and inclusive economic growth.
Through the Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation, Mama Mariam said, culture and heritage are treated as strategic assets for future development rather than relics of the past.
She highlighted seaweed farming as a practical example of intangible cultural heritage that continues to support livelihoods, particularly among coastal women and youth.
She said more than 1,200 women and young people from Unguja and Pemba have benefited from ZMBF programmes aimed at value addition, skills development and improved access to markets, demonstrating how traditional knowledge can be transformed into sustainable economic opportunities.
Zanzibar’s participation at the festival was marked by a strong cultural presence, with a special ZMBF delegation joined by artists and creatives who showcased a wide range of works.
These included traditional handicrafts, the famed Zanzibar carved doors, book writing, oral storytelling, painting, and Swahili-inspired fashion designs.
The exhibition offered international audiences a deeper insight into Zanzibar’s creative industries and cultural identity.
Concluding her remarks, Mama Mariam urged African writers, artists and publishers to continue telling their stories with authenticity, confidence and creativity.
She emphasised that literature and culture remain powerful tools for connecting societies, fostering understanding and shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.
She said Africa’s stories, when told by Africans themselves, have the power not only to preserve heritage but also to influence global narratives and inspire meaningful dialogue across cultures.