President Mwinyi’s Vision for New Zanzibar: Economic Growth and Tourism Expansion – Travel And Tour World

Report on Zanzibar’s 2025-2030 Economic Development Blueprint and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

On November 10, 2025, President Hussein Ali Mwinyi presented the ‘Zanzibarian New Economic Revolution,’ a comprehensive five-year development blueprint for the Zanzibar Archipelago. The plan is strategically designed to accelerate economic modernization and sustainable growth, with a core focus on aligning national priorities with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The strategy aims to unlock the potential of key sectors to transform Zanzibar into a leading economy in Africa, underpinned by principles of stability, inclusivity, and sustainability.

Fostering Inclusive Growth and Strong Institutions (SDG 1, SDG 8, SDG 16)

A Mandate for Unity and Prosperity

Following a decisive electoral victory, President Mwinyi’s administration has prioritized national unity and peace as foundational pillars for development, directly contributing to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The government’s commitment to reconciliation and fair representation within the Government of National Unity (GNU) aims to create a stable environment conducive to long-term investment and equitable prosperity for all Zanzibaris.

Economic Growth and Decent Work Targets

The blueprint sets ambitious targets aimed at achieving SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 1 (No Poverty). Key objectives include:

• Increasing the annual GDP growth rate from 7% to 10% by 2030.
• Creating 350,000 new jobs, providing significant opportunities for the local workforce.
• Boosting the average per capita income from USD 1,241 to USD 1,880, directly addressing poverty reduction.

These goals will be supported by reforms in the financial sector to improve access to credit and expand digital finance, empowering low-income households and strengthening the private sector’s role in development.

The Blue Economy: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development (SDG 8, SDG 14)

Zanzibar’s Blue Economy is positioned as a central driver of the transformation agenda, with initiatives designed to harness marine resources sustainably in line with SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Sustainable Tourism Expansion

The tourism sector’s growth is targeted to be both significant and sustainable, contributing to SDG 8. The government’s strategy includes:

• Increasing international visitor arrivals from 800,000 to 1.5 million annually.
• Raising average daily tourist spending to USD 506 to maximize economic impact.
• Expanding high-end accommodation with 10,000 new premium hotel rooms.
• Diversifying the tourism portfolio to include conference, sports, cultural, and medical tourism, ensuring year-round economic activity.
• Revitalizing Pemba Island’s tourism sector, aiming to increase arrivals from 200,000 to 300,000 to ensure a more equitable distribution of tourism benefits across the archipelago.

Modernizing Fisheries and Marine Resources

To enhance the sustainability and economic output of the fisheries sector, the plan outlines several key projects that support SDG 14:

1. Construction of two major fish-landing and commercial centers at Fungurefu (Unguja) and Mkoani (Pemba).
2. Development of two new fishing ports at Ngalawa and Shumba-Mjini, complete with fish-processing factories to add value and improve global competitiveness.
3. A goal to more than double annual seaweed production from 19,715 tonnes to 40,000 tonnes, boosting a key export and supporting coastal communities.

Advancing Energy, Industry, and Infrastructure (SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 13)

Strategic Energy Sector Development

Zanzibar aims to become a regional energy hub by developing its oil and gas resources responsibly while heavily investing in renewable energy. This dual approach supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The focus on solar, wind, and waste-to-energy projects will provide sustainable power for critical sectors like agriculture, health, and education.

Industrial Diversification and Innovation

The plan emphasizes industrialization as a means of economic diversification, in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Key goals are:

• Increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP from 20.8% to 25%.
• Promoting value-added industries centered on local resources like spices, seaweed, and essential oils.
• Establishing Special Economic Zones in Chamanangwe and Dunga to attract investment and foster local manufacturing.

Modernizing Infrastructure for Sustainable Development

Sweeping infrastructure upgrades are planned to support economic growth and enhance connectivity, a cornerstone of SDG 9. Projects include port modernization, the development of new passenger ports, and the introduction of high-speed ferries to improve transport links between Zanzibar, Pemba, and the mainland, thereby fostering regional economic integration.

Enhancing Food Security and Agricultural Resilience (SDG 2)

The blueprint includes a robust strategy to transform the agricultural sector to achieve SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by strengthening food security and boosting export potential.

Agricultural Modernization

Initiatives to modernize agriculture include:

• Expanding irrigation systems and investing in modern farming technologies to improve crop yields.
• Constructing two national grain silos with a capacity of 60,000 tonnes to enhance food reserves.
• Boosting the production of cloves, fruits, vegetables, and high-value horticulture, with a focus on engaging youth.
• Introducing guaranteed input supply schemes and market linkages to increase farmer profitability and reduce import dependency.

Livestock and Animal Health

To support the livestock sector, the government will establish new veterinary centers in every district and incentivize private investment in hatcheries and feed factories, thereby strengthening domestic production and contributing to food security.

Conclusion: A Vision for a Sustainable and Prosperous Zanzibar

President Mwinyi’s five-year plan represents a strategic and integrated approach to achieving sustainable development. By focusing on economic diversification, job creation, and modernizing key sectors within the framework of the SDGs, the blueprint sets a clear path for Zanzibar’s future. Successful implementation will not only enhance the prosperity and stability of the archipelago but also position it as a model of sustainable development and opportunity in East Africa.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Zanzibar’s new economic development blueprint addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The plan’s focus on economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable use of resources connects it to the following SDGs:

• SDG 1: No Poverty – The plan aims to empower low-income Zanzibaris and boost average per capita income, which is directly linked to reducing poverty.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article highlights a focus on agricultural transformation, modernizing farming, and building grain silos to enhance food security and reduce reliance on food imports.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The strategy includes developing the oil and gas sectors while also investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and waste-to-energy to meet growing energy needs sustainably.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – This is a central theme, with ambitious targets for GDP growth, job creation (350,000 new jobs), and the promotion of sustainable tourism.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The blueprint outlines plans for industrial growth, increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP, and modernizing infrastructure, including ports and transport links.
• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The emphasis on the “Blue Economy” as a cornerstone of transformation, with specific goals for fisheries, maritime industries, and seaweed production, directly relates to the sustainable use of marine resources.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article mentions the President’s mandate for peace, unity, and political stability, as well as the role of the Government of National Unity (GNU) in ensuring fair representation, which aligns with building effective and inclusive institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth
   • The article explicitly states the government’s aim to “increase Zanzibar’s GDP growth rate from 7% to 10% annually by 2030” and “boosting the average per capita income from USD 1,241 to USD 1,880.”
2. Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all
   • The plan includes a core component of creating “350,000 new jobs” to drive economic transformation.
3. Target 8.9: Devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs
   • The government plans to expand the tourism industry by increasing international visitors from 800,000 to 1.5 million annually, adding 10,000 new premium hotel rooms, and promoting diverse forms of tourism like conference, sports, and medical tourism.
4. Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food
   • The plan to build “two national grain silos… to store 60,000 tonnes of grain” is a direct measure to enhance food security for the archipelago.
5. Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization
   • The article notes that the “industrial sector’s contribution to Zanzibar’s GDP is expected to rise from 20.8% to 25%,” driven by investments in value-added industries and the establishment of Special Economic Zones.
6. Target 14.7: Increase the economic benefits from the sustainable use of marine resources
   • The “Blue Economy” strategy aims to increase annual seaweed production from 19,715 tonnes to 40,000 tonnes and modernize the fisheries sector to enhance global competitiveness and export revenue.
7. Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy
   • The article mentions that “Zanzibar is investing in renewable energy” through “new power generation projects focused on solar, wind, and waste-to-energy.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article provides several quantitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Annual GDP Growth Rate: Progress towards Target 8.1 can be measured by tracking the GDP growth rate, with the goal of increasing it from 7% to 10% by 2030.
• GDP per Capita: Another indicator for Target 8.1 is the average per capita income, which is targeted to increase from USD 1,241 to USD 1,880.
• Number of Jobs Created: The success of Target 8.5 can be measured by the number of new jobs, with a specific goal of 350,000.
• Tourism Metrics: For Target 8.9, progress can be tracked using indicators such as the number of international visitors (target: 1.5 million annually), average daily spending by tourists (target: USD 506), and the number of new hotel rooms (target: 10,000).
• Grain Storage Capacity: An indicator for Target 2.1 is the national grain storage capacity, with a specific project to build silos for 60,000 tonnes.
• Industrial Sector’s Share of GDP: Progress towards Target 9.2 can be measured by the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP, aiming to increase it from 20.8% to 25%.
• Seaweed Production Volume: For Target 14.7, the annual seaweed production in tonnes serves as a clear indicator, with a goal to increase it from 19,715 to 40,000 tonnes.
• Development of Renewable Energy Projects: While no specific percentage is given for Target 7.2, the implementation and operational capacity of new solar, wind, and waste-to-energy projects would serve as an indicator of progress.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com