ZANZIBAR CITY – Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi has been honoured with a Special Recognition Award by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) for his outstanding role in transforming Zanzibar into a top destination for local and international investors.
The award, presented at a colourful ceremony held on June 17, 2025, acknowledges President Mwinyi’s proactive leadership in promoting investment, particularly his efforts in economically uplifting Pemba Island and creating a business-friendly environment across the Isles.
According to a statement shared by the Zanzibar State House via Instagram, President Mwinyi’s strategic vision and commitment have attracted a surge of new investment, boosting economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. Under his administration, Zanzibar has witnessed a significant increase in investor confidence and inflows of capital from both domestic and foreign sources.
Accepting the award, Dr. Mwinyi applauded ZIPA and all stakeholders for working closely with the government to advance Zanzibar’s investment agenda. He said their continued cooperation has laid a solid foundation for achieving Zanzibar’s long-term development goals.
“This award is not just mine—it belongs to all stakeholders who have supported the government’s mission to position Zanzibar as a globally competitive investment hub,” Dr. Mwinyi said during the ceremony.
He added that political stability, ongoing infrastructure projects, and progressive investment policies have set Zanzibar apart as a strategic investment gateway in East Africa. These initiatives, he explained, not only cater to today’s investor needs but also prepare Zanzibar for sustainable long-term growth.
“With peace, the right policies, and improved infrastructure, Zanzibar is becoming a strategic gateway for trade, tourism, logistics and innovation,” he added.
The award ceremony brought together senior government officials, business leaders, foreign diplomats, and investors, reflecting the growing local and international interest in Zanzibar’s economic transformation.
ZIPA Director General Shariff A. Shariff said the award was symbolic of the authority’s appreciation of President Mwinyi’s hands-on approach to promoting investment and ensuring the rapid implementation of flagship economic projects.
“Under President Mwinyi’s leadership, ZIPA has been empowered to fast-track investor approvals, support public-private partnerships, and ease the process of doing business in Zanzibar,” Shariff said.
In recent years, ZIPA has reported a sharp rise in approved investment projects, spanning sectors like tourism, blue economy, renewable energy, agro-processing, and infrastructure. Much of this progress is linked to reforms implemented by President Mwinyi’s administration, such as streamlined investment laws, digitised approval processes, and enhanced investor protection frameworks.
A notable aspect of Mwinyi’s strategy has been the targeted development of Pemba Island, long considered underutilised despite its potential. With the government focusing on marine industries, sustainable tourism, and fisheries, Pemba is now emerging as a critical pillar in Zanzibar’s overall economic diversification plan.
The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring that investors feel welcomed, protected, and facilitated. He emphasised that the next phase of Zanzibar’s investment roadmap will focus on green economy opportunities, youth innovation, and regional cooperation.
This recognition comes at a time when Zanzibar is rapidly building its global profile, with various international conferences and trade missions identifying the Isles as a new frontier for smart, sustainable investment.
