Zanzibar President Mwinyi calls for use of Kizimkazi festival to uncover investment opportunities

Unguja. Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has urged regional and district leaders to leverage the Kizimkazi Festival to identify and promote investment opportunities on the island and to boost tourism attractions.

Speaking at the opening of the 2024 festival on August 18, in Kizimkazi Dimbani, South Unguja Region, Dr Mwinyi emphasised the importance of using the festival as a platform to highlight investment prospects, particularly in the tourism sector.

“The Regional and District Commissioners should utilise this festival to identify and promote various investment opportunities available on the island, especially within the tourism sector, which will help increase tourist arrivals,” Dr Mwinyi stated.

The President underscored that such festivals are crucial not only for the region but for Zanzibar as a whole.

He also assured that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar would continue to work with various stakeholders, especially the private sector, to open up new investment opportunities, recognizing the vital role of the private sector in the national economy.

Dr. Mwinyi commended the banking sector for its support in sponsoring the festival and for its continued contribution to Zanzibar’s economic growth through such events.

In response to challenges highlighted by the Festival Secretary, Hindi Juma Ramadhan, Dr Mwinyi addressed several issues.

He assured that efforts are underway to resolve the electricity shortage affecting the region, with the construction of a major power substation set to alleviate the problem soon.

Regarding water scarcity, Dr Mwinyi mentioned that significant projects are in progress, and once the power station is completed, water supply is expected to improve.

He also noted that land disputes are being addressed.

“We recognise the shortage of health professionals and are actively working on it.

Rest assured, all the mentioned challenges are being thoroughly addressed,” Dr Mwinyi assured.

Arafat Haji, CEO of the People’s Bank of Zanzibar (PBZ), the festival’s main sponsor, highlighted that the bank’s assets have reached TSh 2.2 trillion and continue to grow, contributing significantly to social services.

Festival Chairman Mahfoudh Said Omar reported that the festival has seen considerable success, featuring various cultural activities and development projects.

Additionally, over 500 youths will receive training in agriculture, livestock, tourism, and vocational skills.

The Kizimkazi Festival, which began in 2015 as a farewell event for President Samia Suluhu Hassan following her appointment as running mate to President John Magufuli, has evolved into a celebration known as Kizimkazi Day in 2017.

It was officially established as a festival in 2020.