By The Respondents Reporter
President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has said the arrival of thousands of worshippers for the three-day Ijitimai will provide a boost to small businesses and create opportunities for residents to increase their incomes.
Dr Mwinyi said yesterday that the gathering, which brings together Muslims from Zanzibar and other countries, would increase demand for goods and services, giving small traders an opportunity to benefit from the movement of visitors.
He made the remarks at State House in Zanzibar on September 17, 2026, when he met sheikhs from Bungi in South Unguja who invited him to attend the Ijitimai, which starts tomorrow.
The President said the event would not only provide an opportunity for religious teachings and strengthening unity and social cohesion, but would also open up economic opportunities for communities hosting the visitors.
The expected increase in visitors is likely to benefit traders and other service providers involved in areas such as food, transport and accommodation, among other businesses.
Dr Mwinyi said the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar had continued to improve the environment for the event, including strengthening key infrastructure in the areas where the gathering will take place.
He, however, urged religious leaders to work with the government in educating the public about precautions to be taken following forecasts of heavy rains.
He called on them to encourage residents and visitors to follow instructions issued by relevant authorities and to pray for the country to be protected from the possible effects of the rains.
The Ijitimai is scheduled to run for three days, bringing together worshippers from within Zanzibar and outside the islands for religious teachings and activities aimed at promoting unity and solidarity in society.
For local businesses, the gathering presents a temporary increase in the number of potential customers, with traders and service providers expected to position themselves to meet demand while maintaining good standards of service.