Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has urged stakeholders to use the annual Kizimkazi Festival to promote tourism, culture and investment while ensuring local communities benefit from the opportunities created by the event.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when he officially opened the Kizimkazi Festival 2026, held under the theme “KIZIMKAZI Kumenoga!” in South Unguja Region.
He said the festival has grown beyond entertainment to become an important platform for showcasing Zanzibar’s cultural heritage, tourism attractions, businesses and investment opportunities.
“The festival is an important platform for promoting our culture, tourism, business and investment opportunities, while contributing to the development of our people,” Dr Mwinyi said.
He commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her vision in establishing the festival, saying it has contributed to the preservation of traditions and culture while supporting the growth of tourism and economic opportunities.
Dr Mwinyi said the government would continue creating a favourable environment for investment, particularly in tourism, fisheries, seaweed production and the Blue Economy.
He challenged stakeholders to ensure that investment and tourism opportunities generated through the festival translate into tangible benefits for Zanzibaris, particularly entrepreneurs and communities in areas hosting visitors.
The President said the festival also supports Zanzibar’s target of increasing tourist arrivals from about 800,000 to 1.5 million.
He said cultural events such as Kizimkazi can help achieve the target by giving visitors greater exposure to Zanzibar’s attractions, traditional culture, cuisine and hospitality.
The government’s tourism strategy, he added, should therefore go hand in hand with efforts to promote local products and services so that increased tourist numbers generate wider economic benefits.
Dr Mwinyi commended the festival’s organisers, sponsors, government institutions, private-sector players, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes and citizens for their contribution to the success of the 2026 edition.
He urged them to maintain the momentum and use the festival to identify new opportunities for businesses, investment and community development.
The Kizimkazi Festival will run until August 14, 2026, with the main celebrations scheduled to take place at Mwehe Stadium in Kizimkazi, South Unguja.
The festival brings together cultural activities, tourism promotion, business and entertainment, providing a platform for Zanzibar to market its heritage while connecting local communities with visitors and potential investors.
