ZANZIBAR: The Zanzibar Revolutionary Government has signed a 12 million US dollar public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with Infinity Developments to restore and upgrade key historical landmarks in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural heart of the archipelago.
The agreement, concluded through Zanzibar’s Ministry of Tourism and Heritage and the Ministry of Labour and Investment, marks one of the most significant private-sector commitments to heritage conservation in recent years.
Under the first phase of the partnership, Infinity Developments will finance conservation works, structural rehabilitation and improvements to visitor infrastructure at major sites within Stone Town. These include the Old Fort, the High Court Museum and the Hamamni Persian Baths, among others.
Officials said the works will be implemented under the company’s Infinity Culture Programme and will focus on preserving architectural integrity while enhancing safety standards and visitor experience.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, said the initiative reflects the government’s strategy of linking heritage preservation with sustainable tourism development.
“Safeguarding historical sites is essential for preserving our cultural identity while strengthening Zanzibar’s tourism economy,” he said at the signing ceremony.
Tourism as an economic pillar
Tourism is a central pillar of Zanzibar’s economy, generating foreign exchange earnings, employment and investment. Stone Town, with its blend of African, Arab, Persian and European architectural influences, is one of the archipelago’s main tourist attractions.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, Stone Town is recognised for its historical significance as a former trading hub along the Indian Ocean coast. However, many of its buildings face structural deterioration due to age, coastal weather conditions and heavy visitor traffic.
Officials said the PPP model is intended to mobilise private capital and technical expertise to complement government efforts in conserving heritage assets, while ensuring that restoration efforts meet internationally recognised conservation standards.
The Ministry of Labour and Investment said the agreement also demonstrates Zanzibar’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for responsible private-sector participation in development projects.
Infinity Developments’ Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Samuel Saba, said the investment aims not only to preserve historic structures but also to enhance their cultural and educational value for both residents and international visitors.
Authorities said the project is expected to reinforce heritage conservation as a core component of Zanzibar’s long-term tourism and economic development strategy, while maintaining the historical authenticity that underpins Stone Town’s global appeal.
