ZANZIBAR: The semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar has intensified efforts to expand its blue economy through new fishing infrastructure, marine farming initiatives and oil and gas exploration, marking notable progress in the first 100 days of President Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s second term in office.
Officials say the initiatives are part of a broader strategy to harness ocean resources sustainably while creating jobs and strengthening the islands’ economic resilience.
The progress was outlined this week by the Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Masoud Ali Mohamed, during a press briefing reviewing the early achievements of the government’s eighth phase.
According to the minister, the ministry’s work currently centres on three priority areas: fisheries and marine aquaculture, oil and gas development, and coordination of broader blue economy activities across the islands.
“The fisheries sector — including artisanal, mid-scale and deep-sea fishing, aquaculture and marine conservation — remains a key pillar supporting livelihoods and economic growth in Zanzibar,” he said.
Expanding fisheries infrastructure
The government has stepped up investments in fishing infrastructure to improve production, processing and market access.
Preparations are under way for a new fishing port at Ngalawa, which is currently in the design phase and is expected to serve both local and international deep-sea fishing vessels.
Meanwhile, a modern fish landing facility has been completed in Mkoani on Pemba Island, serving about 10,000 residents and accommodating up to 250 small fishing vessels each day.
Construction of another landing site at Fungurefu is about 80 per cent complete, while work has started on six additional landing sites in Kengenja, Kiwani, Msuka, Fukuchani, Unguja Ukuu and Matemwe Kigomani.
Through the state-owned Zanzibar Fishing Company, a facility to support anchovy producers is nearing completion in Ndagoni village in Pemba. Authorities are also planning to acquire a 25-metre deep-sea fishing vessel and four 18-metre fishing boats to increase offshore fish production.
To strengthen technical skills, the government also plans to build a fisheries training institute in Fungurefu that will offer courses up to diploma level, aimed at equipping young people with specialised skills in the blue economy.
Reforming fisheries governance
Alongside infrastructure investments, the government is pursuing reforms to strengthen regulation and sustainability in the sector.
The Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries has proposed repealing the Fisheries Act No. 7 of 2010 and replacing it with a new Fisheries Development Act. The proposed law would establish the Zanzibar Fisheries and Marine Conservation Authority to oversee management of marine resources.
Zanzibar plans 17% spending increase to drive blue economy growth
Marine farming and seaweed value chains
Marine farming is also expanding, particularly in sea cucumber and seaweed production.
Authorities have distributed more than 36,000 sea cucumber fingerlings to 17 farming groups across Unguja and Pemba, creating around 85 jobs for women and young people.
Seaweed cultivation — one of Zanzibar’s most important coastal livelihoods — is also receiving new investment.
Through the state-run Zanzibar Seaweed Company, the government has purchased two seaweed-processing machines from India and the United Kingdom for installation at the Chamanangwe processing plant. The equipment, expected to arrive in April 2026, will enable production of bio-stimulant fertilisers, dry fertiliser and animal feed.
ZASCO is also partnering with MDAXH Company to establish a seaweed processing factory in Fumba to produce nutritional supplements.
Additional support is being provided through a programme funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, which has procured five seaweed processing machines to be distributed across Unguja and Pemba.
Research capacity is also being strengthened at the Zanzibar Fisheries and Marine Resources Research Institute, which has established a laboratory to improve seaweed seedlings using tissue-culture technology.
Seed nurseries in northern Unguja have already produced more than 1,300 kilogrammes of improved seaweed seedlings, which have been distributed to 63 farmers organised into four groups.
Oil and gas exploration
Beyond fisheries, the government is also advancing offshore resource exploration.
Through the Zanzibar Petroleum Development Company, authorities have signed an agreement with Africa Geophysical Services of Oman to conduct three-dimensional seismic surveys on Block Z2 onshore, a step aimed at identifying potential oil and gas drilling sites.
Coordinated ocean management
The ministry is also coordinating sustainable use of marine resources under Zanzibar’s Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) initiative, which seeks to balance conservation, fishing, tourism and energy development.
So far, 13 stakeholder consultations have been held and joint patrols with community management groups have conducted 128 operations to combat illegal fishing.
Building a regional blue economy hub
Looking ahead to 2030, the government plans to expand deep-sea fishing, develop fish processing industries and revive the Malindi fish processing plant.
Authorities also intend to establish a Blue Economy Special Investment Zone in Fungurefu in northern Unguja to attract private investment in marine industries.
Other priorities include expanding seaweed value-addition industries, supporting farmers with equipment and financing, and continuing oil and gas exploration.
President Mwinyi — the son of Tanzania’s former president Ali Hassan Mwinyi — has made the blue economy a central pillar of Zanzibar’s development strategy since taking office in 2020.
Officials say the achievements recorded during the first 100 days of his new term demonstrate the government’s commitment to transforming the islands into a regional hub for ocean-based industries while improving livelihoods for coastal communities.
