Unguja. Zanzibar’s Old Fort, known as ‘Ngome Kongwe’, stands as a sentinel of history and culture, attracting locals and tourists alike to its storied grounds.
As plans unfold for its transformation into a vibrant cultural hub, Infinity Developments aims to enhance the fort’s appeal while promoting sustainable tourism.
“We are grateful for being entrusted with the opportunity to renovate, and bring to life the Old Fort. We have taken into account all of the cultural, and historical significance of the Old Fort, and are working together with the government, and stakeholders to create a unique experience for all who come to visit, while we endeavor to further promote Halal Tourism in Zanzibar” said Mr Samuel Saba the Chairman of Infinity Group.
The Courtyard Garden inside the Old Fort upon completion is set to offer a refreshing experience
The renovation project seeks to balance the fort’s historical significance with modern amenities and attractions, ensuring it becomes a premier destination that resonates with a diverse audience.
According to Infinity Developments the renovation work which has already began is set to take approximately six months more to complete.
“We are trying to do everything possible to make sure that we do not disrupt the livelihood of the surrounding communities especially those who have been earning their living around The Old Fort. As a result we are building another area not far from the Old Fort to relocate all of the different local shopkeepers,” said Mr Saba.
Key improvements will include beautifully landscaped gardens featuring native plants, providing serene retreats for visitors amidst the fort’s rich heritage. Elegant water features will add to the ambiance, offering picturesque spots for relaxation and photography.
The aerial view of the Old Fort
To cater to contemporary tastes, a state-of-the-art DJ booth will enable the hosting of lively music events, drawing younger audiences to this historical venue. Additionally, museum spaces will be revamped to showcase Zanzibar’s rich history, with improved lighting and interactive displays that engage and educate visitors.
A newly established Tourist Information Center will assist guests in navigating attractions, tours, and local events, while a Ticket Sales Booth will ensure quick access to entry, tours, and events, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The fort’s open-air courtyard and auditorium will be enhanced to accommodate a wide range of events, such as conferences, art fairs, and more. These versatile spaces will feature modern amenities, ensuring memorable experiences for all attendees. Food and beverage stalls will be expanded to offer a variety of local and international cuisines, providing delicious dining options that reflect Zanzibar’s culinary diversity.
The amphitheatre
Visitors can immerse themselves in the fort’s history through a museum filled with artifacts and exhibits, gaining deeper insights into the island’s heritage. Retail spaces will feature local crafts and souvenirs, allowing guests to take a piece of Zanzibar’s culture home with them while supporting local artisans.
Infinity Developments envisions the Old Fort as a bustling cultural hub that not only enhances tourism but also engages the local community. By providing affordable rates for locals and competitive pricing for tourists, the Old Fort will encourage a rich exchange between residents and visitors.
The developers who also redeveloped the Mnazi Mmoja Gardens, say comprehensive tour services will offer expertly guided explorations of Zanzibar’s diverse attractions, from historical ruins to its luxurious resorts that are being developed. With high foot traffic and a prime location, businesses operating within the fort will benefit from a steady stream of visitors.
The restauranmt will be part of the new addition that will offer a dining experience to visitors
The fort’s transformation will include hosting various events, from daily live music, and corporate gatherings to cultural festivals, generating a continuous flow of visitors and substantial revenue. Innovative marketing strategies, including social media campaigns and partnerships with travel agencies, will ensure that the Old Fort remains a top destination for cultural and historical tourism.
Through community engagement and support for local artisans, the project aims to create a sustainable tourism model that benefits all stakeholders.
The Infinity Cultural Preservation Program aims to elevate the Old Fort in Zanzibar into a premier cultural and historical destination. By enhancing amenities, offering diverse events and tours, and creating commercial opportunities, Infinity Developments is committed to fostering a vibrant, sustainable future for the fort, Zanzibar, and all those who will be coming in the near future to visit our beautiful island.
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Tanzania’s opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy
Unguja. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo today officially bids farewell to its former Chairman, Juma Duni Haji, also known as Babu Duni, as part of a new policy designed to honor retired senior leaders at a ceremony held at Kiembesamaki, Zanzibar.
The initiative highlights the party’s commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals who have served with dedication and integrity.
Babu Duni, who stepped down earlier this year, was succeeded by Othman Masoud, now the First Vice President of Zanzibar.
The policy aims to provide ongoing respect and support to retired leaders, ensuring their continued recognition and contribution to the party’s development.
“Recognizing their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the party, this policy ensures that retired leaders continue to be acknowledged and respected by both the party and the community,” the policy states.
To benefit from this policy, leaders must not have left or been expelled from the party. They must have served the party with honor and dedication. The national leadership committee will determine whether a leader has fulfilled these criteria.
The policy seeks to honor retired leaders, protect their dignity, acknowledge their contributions, leverage their ideas for the party’s growth, and support them to the best of the party’s ability.
In honoring these leaders, the party will provide a vehicle, the type of which will be determined by the national leadership committee. Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance, with the amount also set by this committee.
Other benefits include health insurance. If a leader does not own a home, the party will cover their rent at a rate decided by the committee.
The leadership committee may also grant special recognition based on the leader’s contributions. Retired leaders will participate in decision-making meetings according to procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.
Depending on the party’s resources at the time, the policy may also apply to retired deputy chairpersons for both the mainland and Zanzibar, the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General for both mainland and Zanzibar, and the party’s Attorney General.
Additionally, leaders, executives, or members with exceptional contributions to the party’s protection, advocacy, and defense may also benefit, as determined by the leadership committee.
Currently, those who are eligible for benefits under this policy include Juma Duni Haji (retired party Chairman) and Zitto Kabwe (retired party leader).Continue Reading
Tanzania: Samia Hands Over NBC’s 354m/ – Crop Insurance Compensation to Farmers Affected By Hailstorms
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has handed over a cheque of 354m/- from the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) as compensation to tobacco farmers, who were affected by hailstorms during the previous farming season in various regions across the country.
Handing over the cheque in Dodoma, the compensation is part of the crop insurance service provided by NBC in collaboration with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
Furthermore, President Samia has also handed over health insurance coverage to members of the Lindi Mwambao Cooperative Union based in Lindi Region, through the Farmers’ Health Insurance service provided by the bank in partnership with Assurance Insurance Company.
While visiting the bank’s pavilion at the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition and being received and briefed by the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Theobald Sabi, she said: “This crop insurance is one of the crucial solutions in ensuring farmers have a reliable income, without fear of challenges such as natural disasters, including hailstorms.
“I call upon all farmers in the country to make the best use of this important opportunity by accessing these kinds of insurance services. I also highly commend NBC and all the stakeholders participating in this programme.”
Elaborating further on the crop insurance service, the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, stated that it will help to recover the loss farmers incurred, especially in various calamities beyond their control.
Citing them as floods, fires, and hailstorms, which have significantly affected the well-being of farmers and caused some to be reluctant to invest in the crucial sector, Mr Bashe added: “However, our President, this step by NBC is just the beginning, as this is the second year since they started offering this service, and the results are already visible.
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“As the government, we promise to continue supporting the wider implementation of this service, with the goal of ensuring that this crop insurance service reaches more farmers.”
ALSO READ: NBC participates in TFF 2023/24 awards, promises to enhance competition
On his part, Mr Sabi said that the farmers who benefited from the compensations are from 23 primary cooperative unions in the regions of Shinyanga, Geita, Tabora, Mbeya, Katavi, and Kigoma.
He added: “In addition to these insurance services, as a bank, through this exhibition, we have continued with our programme of providing financial education and various banking opportunities to farmers, alongside offering them various loans, including loans for agricultural equipment, particularly tractors, to eligible farmers.:
At the NBC booth, President Samia also had the opportunity to be briefed on the various services offered by the bank to the farmers namely crop insurance and health insurance services.
There, the President had the chance to speak with some of the beneficiaries of the services, including the Vice-Chairman of the Lindi Mwambao Primary Cooperative Union, Mr. Hassan Mnumbe, whose union has been provided with a health insurance card from the bank.
Source: allafrica.com
Britam half-year net profit hits Sh2bn on higher investment income
Insurer and financial services provider Britam posted a 22.5 percent jump in net earnings for the half-year ended June 2024, to Sh2 billion, buoyed by increased investment income.
The rise in half-year net profit from Sh1.64 billion posted in a similar period last year came on the back of net investment income rising 2.5 times to Sh13.27 billion from Sh5.3 billion.
“We are confident in the growth and performance trend that Britam has achieved, supported by its subsidiaries in Kenya and the region. Our business is expanding its revenue base while effectively managing costs,” Britam Chief Executive Officer Tom Gitogo said.
“Our customer-centric approach is fueling growth in our customer base and product uptake, particularly through micro-insurance, partnerships, and digital channels.”
The investment income growth was fueled by interest and dividend income rising 34 percent to Sh9.1 billion, which the insurer attributed to growth in revenue and the gains from the realignment of the group’s investment portfolio.
Britam also booked a Sh3.79 billion gain on financial assets at a fair value, compared with a Sh1.8 billion loss posted in a similar period last year.
The increased investment income helped offset the 12.7 percent decline in net insurance service result to Sh2.13 billion in the wake of claims paid out rising at a faster pace than that of premiums received.
Britam said insurance revenue, which is money from written premiums, increased to Sh17.8 billion from Sh16.6 billion, primarily driven by growth in the Kenya insurance business and regional general insurance businesses, which contributed 30 percent of the revenue.
The group has a presence in seven countries in Africa namely Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, Mozambique, and Malawi.
Britam’s insurance service expense hit Sh13.6 billion from Sh11.3 billion, while net insurance finance expenses rose 2.6 times to Sh12.3 billion during the same period.
“Net insurance finance expenses increased mainly due to growth in interest cost for the deposit administration business driven by better investment performance. This has also been impacted by a decline in the yield curve, which has led to an increase in the insurance contract liabilities. The increase has been offset by a matching increase in fair value gain on assets,” said Britam.
Britam’s growth in profit is in line with that of other Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed insurers, which have seen a rise in profits.
Jubilee Holdings net profit in the six months increased by 22.7 percent to Sh2.5 billion on increased income from insurance, helping the insurer maintain Sh2 per share interim dividend.
CIC Insurance Group posted a 0.64 percent rise in net profit to Sh709.99 million in the same period as net earnings of Liberty Kenya nearly tripled to Sh632 million from Sh213 million, while Sanlam Kenya emerged from a loss to post a Sh282.2 million net profit.
