Zanzibar is set to deepen its economic and cultural gains from long-standing cooperation with Italy, as efforts to expand tourism, investment and social development gather pace.
President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, said the Isles will continue to benefit from the partnership, particularly as both sides scale up collaboration in key sectors.
Speaking at State House in Zanzibar on April 20, 2026, during talks with the Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, Giuseppe Sean Coppola, Dr Mwinyi said the enduring diplomatic ties between Zanzibar and Italy are increasingly translating into tangible development outcomes.
He pointed to the expansion of direct flights by Italian carrier NEOS as a timely boost to Zanzibar’s tourism industry, noting that improved air connectivity is expected to increase tourist arrivals and support growth across related sectors.
Tourism remains a key pillar of Zanzibar’s economy, and the government has been pushing to diversify markets while improving infrastructure and services to meet rising global demand.
Dr Mwinyi also signalled Zanzibar’s commitment to strengthening cultural diplomacy, including plans to host a music festival organised by the Italian Embassy that will bring together artists from Italy and Tanzania.
The initiative is expected to enhance cultural exchange while promoting Zanzibar as a vibrant destination.
For his part, Ambassador Coppola commended the Zanzibar government for ongoing infrastructure improvements, saying they are helping to create a more favourable investment climate.
He added that the upcoming European Union–Tanzania Business Forum in Dar es Salaam will provide an important platform to unlock new investment opportunities and deepen economic cooperation between Tanzania and European partners.
