Zanzibar has stepped into a new phase of economic transformation aimed at strengthening its competitiveness in the global market by expanding investment opportunities, improving economic foundations, and building a more business-friendly environment to support sustainable growth and improve the welfare of its people.
The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, said this on June 4, 2026, when he officially opened the Zanzibar Investment Forum 2026 held at the Golden Tulip Airport Hotel in Mjini Magharibi Region.
The forum brought together around 600 participants from different countries, including investors, financial institutions, development partners, business leaders, and members of the Tanzanian diaspora.
Dr. Mwinyi said Zanzibar is now implementing major economic reforms aimed at strengthening competitiveness in the global economy.
He said the government is widening investment opportunities in key sectors, improving institutional systems, and investing in modern infrastructure to attract more investors and support economic growth.
He added that these reforms are focused on building a strong and diversified economy that can withstand global economic challenges while ensuring that citizens benefit directly through jobs, business opportunities, and improved services.
The President further noted that the government is continuously improving the business environment through major investments in infrastructure, reforms in public institutions, and the expansion of digital systems in government services.
These efforts, he said, are designed to reduce bureaucracy, speed up services, and make it easier for investors to operate in Zanzibar.
Dr. Mwinyi revealed that more than 800 investment projects worth over 9 billion US dollars are currently being implemented across Zanzibar.
He said these projects cover sectors such as tourism, housing, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure, and are already contributing to economic growth and creating opportunities for local communities.
He also said Zanzibar’s economy continues to grow steadily at 7.3 percent, while inflation remains stable at 4.1 percent.
According to him, these indicators show that ongoing reforms are working and that the economy is becoming more stable and resilient.
During the forum, Dr. Mwinyi witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), the American Investors Institute, and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).
The agreements aim to strengthen international cooperation, improve investment facilitation, and expand access to financing for development projects in Zanzibar.
The forum has provided a platform for investors and stakeholders to discuss opportunities, share experiences, and explore new areas of cooperation that will help accelerate Zanzibar’s development agenda.
Dr. Mwinyi urged investors to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities available, saying the government remains committed to maintaining a stable and supportive investment climate.
He emphasized that Zanzibar is open for business and ready to work with partners who are committed to long-term development.
The Zanzibar Investment Forum 2026 is expected to strengthen investment partnerships and support the implementation of key projects that will continue to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods across the islands.
