ZANZIBAR – Members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives have called on the government to make industrial development a national priority, urging the establishment of value-added industries that can transform the isles’ natural resources into high-value goods and boost economic self-reliance.
The call was made during the ongoing debate on the 2025/2026 national budget in Chukwani, with lawmakers uniting around the idea that sustainable development and economic independence lie in leveraging local resources through domestic manufacturing and processing.
Malindi constituency representative Mohammed Ahmada Salum was among the strongest voices, arguing that Zanzibar’s blue economy and agricultural sector hold untapped potential if industrial processing facilities are developed.
“If we build processing factories that make full use of our resources, Zanzibar will be in a better position to earn foreign currency and grow its economy,” said Salum, adding that marine products and agricultural goods can generate foreign exchange and open up domestic and international markets.
He also highlighted the risks of an import-heavy economy, warning that reliance on foreign goods continues to widen the trade deficit and undermine the local economy. Salum cited struggling dairy factories in Fumba, Basra (Chumbuni), and Mahonda, urging the government to resolve operational challenges so these facilities can actively contribute to national growth.
“The government must also encourage collaboration between our technical experts and those on the mainland to improve knowledge-sharing and operational efficiency,” Salum added.
Calling for a bigger budget allocation to the Ministry of Agriculture, Salum stressed that agriculture is critical to both food security and blue economy development, and must be treated as a strategic sector if it is to drive GDP growth.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about infrastructure quality, particularly the reliability and credibility of construction firms. Salum warned that awarding major projects to unqualified companies results in substandard work and wasted resources, urging government agencies to do proper due diligence before issuing contracts.
From Mahonda constituency, Asha Abdalla Mussa applauded recent hospital construction efforts but pointed out that rural communities continue to suffer due to poor road networks, especially affecting pregnant women and school-going children. She also appealed for expanded clean water supply in underserved areas, stressing that safe drinking water remains out of reach for many.
Mwera representative Mihayo Juma N’hunga backed the proposed tax increases in the 2025 budget, saying that strengthening fiscal policy could help protect local industries from foreign competition and promote homegrown production.
Juma Ali Khatib called on the government to formulate a clear and practical economic strategy, particularly in managing key sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and small-scale industries. He insisted that each sector must deliver tangible benefits to the people of Zanzibar.
“Policies must not just look good on paper. We need a plan that gives our people jobs, income, and dignity,” Khatib said.
The Zanzibar House of Representatives continues to deliberate on the proposed budget, with growing consensus that the archipelago’s economic transformation lies in strategic industrial investments. Many lawmakers echoed that industrialisation, especially in value-addition and export-oriented manufacturing, is the most effective path to long-term economic growth.
Zanzibar has abundant marine, agricultural, and cultural resources, yet it still imports much of what it consumes, including food products. Lawmakers believe the time is ripe for a policy shift that emphasises local production, supply chain development, and skills transfer.
As the budget debate moves forward, members have urged the executive to act on their recommendations, warning that economic dependence, youth unemployment, and underdevelopment will persist if the government does not embrace bold and strategic reforms.
