Zanzibar is seeking to deepen economic cooperation with Russia, with energy, tourism, ports, fisheries and the Blue Economy identified as key areas for potential investment and technology transfer.
President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, said the islands were ready to expand cooperation with the Russian Federation across sectors that could support investment and development.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks on Monday, September 28, 2026, when he met a Russian delegation led by Denis Agafonov, Head of the Expert Directorate at the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, at State House in Zanzibar.
He said Zanzibar wanted to turn discussions with Russia into concrete projects, particularly in energy, ports and transport, tourism, education and research, healthcare, fisheries and other areas linked to the Blue Economy.
Dr Mwinyi said the cooperation could open opportunities for investment, technology and joint research, while supporting the development of Zanzibar's marine-based economy. He emphasised the need to move from discussions to projects with visible results.
“The areas discussed should be translated into projects that deliver tangible results,” Dr Mwinyi said.
For Zanzibar, stronger partnerships in these sectors could support investment in infrastructure, expand economic opportunities and strengthen access to technology and expertise.
The Blue Economy is particularly important to Zanzibar because of its potential in fisheries, marine tourism and other activities based on ocean resources.
Mr Agafonov said Russia was ready to continue discussions with Zanzibar on areas with potential for cooperation and investment.
The engagement signals Zanzibar's efforts to widen its international economic partnerships while seeking investment and expertise to support development across strategic sectors.