Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has said the government will continue to invest heavily in the development and upgrading of sports infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to position Zanzibar as a leading centre for sports tourism at both national and international levels.
Speaking on January 1, 2026, during the 16th Physical Fitness Bonanza organised by the Zanzibar Physical Fitness Association (ZABESA) at the New Amaan Complex in the Urban West Region, President Mwinyi said sports play a critical role in promoting public health, social cohesion and economic growth.
The event attracted more than 500 participants from 165 fitness groups drawn from 25 clubs in Pemba, 100 in Unguja and 40 from Tanzania Mainland.
He said regular physical exercise strengthens both physical and mental health and is an effective way of preventing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart-related conditions.
According to the President, the annual bonanza has become an important platform for reminding citizens that good health is a foundation for individual productivity and sustainable national development.
President Mwinyi encouraged citizens to actively participate in various sports, including football, volleyball, athletics and traditional cultural games, noting that such activities not only improve health but also foster unity and discipline in society.
He added that the government will continue to support sports bonanzas, leagues and major competitions as part of efforts to enhance Zanzibar’s profile as a destination for sports tourism.
He noted that sports is a key economic sector with strong linkages to tourism, capable of attracting visitors and investors, creating employment opportunities for young people and contributing to national income.
The government, in partnership with sports stakeholders, will continue to strengthen sports infrastructure to meet national and international standards, while also investing in talent development from grassroots to elite levels.
President Mwinyi said that through well-structured training programmes, discipline and effective management, Zanzibar has the potential to produce world-class athletes who can compete successfully on the global stage, raise the country’s international profile and improve the lives of athletes and their families.
He added that the government has significantly improved sports infrastructure, including the Amaan Complex, Gombani and Mao Tse Tung stadiums, alongside the ongoing construction of 17 stadiums across all regions, some of which have already been completed.
Earlier, the President led hundreds of fitness enthusiasts in a special walk from Michenzani through Muembe Kisonge to the New Amaan Complex, before joining them in a mass exercise session.
He commended ZABESA and all stakeholders for successfully organising the bonanza and awarded certificates of appreciation, calling on the public to continue supporting similar initiatives.
He also had the opportunity to greet Tanzania’s international marathon runner and gold medallist, Alphonce Simbu, who took part in the event.