Zanzibar residents are set to benefit from a modern public transport system after the launch of the ZanBus electric bus project, which introduces cashless fare payments through a smart card system powered by digital financial services provider Mixx.
The project is part of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar’s efforts to improve public transport services, reduce environmental pollution and promote the use of clean energy in urban mobility.
Launching the initiative, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi said the introduction of electric buses demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing safer, reliable and environmentally friendly transport services for citizens.
“The launch of this electric bus project is part of our commitment to building a modern, safe and environmentally friendly public transport system. We pledged to introduce electric public transport to reduce environmental pollution while providing better services to our people,” Dr Mwinyi said.
He said the government’s long-term plan is to expand the electric bus fleet to 500 vehicles, with the ultimate goal of establishing a zero-emission transport system that will improve mobility and contribute to Zanzibar’s environmental protection efforts.
The project’s lead investor, Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) Managing Director Nassor Shaaban Ameir, said ZanBus is a strategic investment aimed at improving the daily lives of citizens while supporting economic development.
“The ZanBus project is a long-term investment for the people of Zanzibar. Beyond improving public transport services, it will accelerate technology adoption, protect the environment and stimulate economic growth,” Mr Ameir said.
Through the new cashless payment system, passengers will use smart cards connected to the Mixx digital platform instead of paying fares with cash. The system is expected to make public transport services faster, safer and more convenient for commuters.
Mixx Chief Operating Officer Arnold Ngarashi said the partnership will help improve access to digital financial services while supporting the transformation of Zanzibar’s transport sector.
“In today’s digital economy, modern public transport cannot operate effectively without a modern payment system. Through Mixx, passengers will be able to top up their smart cards easily using their mobile phones or through our network of nearly 20,000 agents across Zanzibar,” Mr Ngarashi said.
He added that the digital payment platform will strengthen transparency in fare collection, improve passenger experience and create opportunities for introducing additional digital services in the transport sector.
The ZanBus project also aligns with Zanzibar’s wider digital development agenda, with Mixx’s sister companies, Yas and Yas Fiber, supporting efforts to expand digital infrastructure across the islands.
Yas Fiber is planning to invest about Sh300 billion to expand fibre-optic connectivity in Zanzibar, a move expected to strengthen access to digital services and support emerging smart city initiatives.
For citizens, the introduction of electric buses combined with cashless payments marks a major shift towards a cleaner, more efficient and technology-driven public transport system that is expected to improve everyday travel across Zanzibar.
