Zanzibar is seeking to attract more investment from Oman in fisheries, aquaculture and tourism as the government looks to strengthen economic ties and turn longstanding diplomatic relations into tangible development opportunities.
President Hussein Ali Mwinyi said closer cooperation between Zanzibar and Oman could unlock investment opportunities, expand trade and support the islands' economic growth.
He made the remarks on November 10, 2026, at State House in Zanzibar during talks with Oman's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi.
Dr Mwinyi said the Third Meeting of the Tanzania-Oman Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) offered an important opportunity to accelerate the implementation of bilateral agreements and strengthen cooperation in areas with potential to deliver economic benefits.
He identified the Blue Economy, tourism, fisheries and aquaculture as priority sectors where the two sides could deepen collaboration.
The President urged Omani investors to take advantage of opportunities in Zanzibar, stressing the importance of building on the historical and brotherly relations between the two sides to promote trade and investment.
Beyond investment, Dr Mwinyi acknowledged Oman's contribution to Zanzibar's development, particularly in education, water supply and the preservation of historical heritage.
His remarks place greater emphasis on converting the longstanding relationship between Zanzibar and Oman into practical economic cooperation, particularly through investment that could expand productive activities and create opportunities across key sectors.
For his part, Mr Albusaidi reaffirmed Oman's commitment to strengthening relations with Tanzania, saying there was considerable potential to increase trade, investment and tourism cooperation.
The meeting was also attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Tanzania's Ambassador to Oman, Maulidah Bwanakheir Hassan, Oman's Ambassador to Tanzania, Saud bin Hilal bin Saud Al Shaidani, and Oman's Consul General in Zanzibar, Said Salim Hamed Al Sinawi, among other officials.