ZANZIBAR: Zanzibar’s President Hussein Mwinyi has called for increased investment from the United States in key sectors including ports, energy and tourism, as the semi-autonomous archipelago seeks to position itself as a regional trade and logistics hub.
Mwinyi made the appeal during high-level talks with U.S. Acting Ambassador to Tanzania Andrew Lentz at the State House in Stone Town, where both sides discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and strengthening economic ties.
The discussions focused on strategic sectors seen as central to Zanzibar’s long-term development agenda, including infrastructure, the blue economy, energy and tourism.
Mwinyi highlighted the ongoing Mangapwani Integrated Port Project as one of the flagship initiatives expected to transform Zanzibar’s maritime sector and support broader economic growth.
The project includes the construction of a modern deep-sea port capable of handling larger vessels, as well as associated infrastructure such as fuel storage facilities and a planned 200-megawatt power generation plant.
“These developments will significantly reduce congestion currently experienced at Malindi Port and improve efficiency in cargo handling,” Mwinyi said.
He said the investment forms part of a broader strategy to modernise infrastructure, enhance trade capacity and attract both domestic and international investors.
Zanzibar has been seeking to diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors such as tourism by investing in logistics, maritime services and energy infrastructure.
Mwinyi said the archipelago offers a range of untapped opportunities for foreign investors, particularly in emerging sectors linked to the blue economy, which focuses on sustainable use of ocean resources.
He also expressed appreciation for longstanding U.S. support to Tanzania, including Zanzibar, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.
“There are still many opportunities for American companies and investors in Zanzibar,” he said, pointing to infrastructure, tourism and energy as priority areas.
Lentz welcomed the pace of development in Zanzibar, particularly in infrastructure, saying such progress was essential for attracting investment and supporting economic growth.
He said improved infrastructure would also help create jobs, enhance trade and improve the overall quality of life for citizens.
The United States has been involved in various development initiatives in Tanzania, including programmes focused on health, climate resilience and economic development.
Lentz reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Zanzibar, particularly in areas such as healthcare, climate change, trade and investment.
He emphasised the importance of sustained partnerships in addressing shared global challenges and promoting inclusive growth.
Analysts say Zanzibar’s efforts to attract foreign investment are part of a broader trend among African economies seeking to leverage infrastructure development to boost competitiveness and integration into global trade networks.
The Mangapwani project, in particular, is expected to play a key role in reducing logistical bottlenecks and enhancing Zanzibar’s capacity to handle increased cargo volumes.
Officials say the development could position Zanzibar as an important gateway for trade in the Indian Ocean region, complementing mainland Tanzania’s ports.
The meeting between Mwinyi and Lentz underscores growing diplomatic and economic engagement between Zanzibar and the United States, with both sides expressing optimism about future cooperation.