Unguja. The Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (Zipa) has registered 353 new investment projects valued at $5.5 billion (Sh15 trillion).
These projects, registered during the three years of the eighth phase of government, are expected to create 20,000 jobs, primarily in the tourism sector.
Speaking during the launch of the Shukran Palace Hotel in Michanvi, Southern Unguja, on September 21, President Hussein Mwinyi stated that the establishment of major projects on the island has been greatly influenced by the ongoing peace and security in the nation, alongside favourable policies.
“The presence of peace and security in our country has encouraged many foreign investors to view our islands of Unguja and Pemba as the right places to invest their capital,” said Dr Mwinyi.
He urged the public to maintain peace and continue supporting the government so that ongoing investments in various development projects can effectively enhance the nation’s economy.
Additionally, he praised the private sector for its continued support of government initiatives in areas such as commerce and investment.
“The government recognises the contribution made by the private sector in aiding the development of our country,” noted Dr Mwinyi.
He said that the government is rapidly implementing development projects, including the construction of the Mangapwani Port, which will incorporate fishing port activities, oil and gas storage, processing industries, and the development of a modern city.
Furthermore, he stated that the government is continuing to improve and build road and airport infrastructure, enhancing access to energy, clean and safe water, quality education, health services, and other social amenities.
The minister for the Office of the President, Work, Economy, and Investment, Mr Shariff Ali Shariff, emphasised that the investment sector in the country has significantly contributed to the implementation of the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050, which aims to boost the economy, create jobs and reduce poverty among Zanzibaris.
“To confirm this, we have witnessed the successes mentioned, and we continue to observe them,” said Mr Shariff.
He announced that a total of 16 investment projects with a capital value of Sh377.5 million (approximately Sh1 trillion) have been registered for investment in small islands.
“The investment vision for the islets has begun to bear fruit. Finally, the first project in island investment has been completed in Bawe Island, Unguja, valued at $38 million (Sh100 billion). We expect to officially launch it anytime soon,” said Mr Shariff.
Another successful area is the opening of Pemba as a strategic investment zone, where the legal framework has been modified to encourage investment on the island, accompanied by special incentives for investors.
To ensure that incoming investments directly benefit citizens, the ministry is conducting research aimed at assessing employment generated by investment projects and identifying their economic impacts.
The director of ZIPA, Mr Saleh Saad Mohamed, stated that the hotel project is among five-star hotels in the Southern Unguja region, comprising a total of 10 buildings with 100 rooms. This project has already created 245 formal jobs for locals.
The Southern region is leading in attracting significant investments in the hotel sector.
Share this news
This Year's Most Read News Stories
Concerns mount over Zanzibar new $44 travel insurance fee
Tour operators, hoteliers, tourists, and tourism stakeholders are raising alarms over Zanzibar’s new mandatory $44 travel insurance fee, set to take effect on September 1.Continue Reading
Tanzania’s path to 4Rs: The President Samia’s era
Tanzania has embarked on a journey of resilience, rebuilding, reconciliation, and reform under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.Continue Reading
Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.
President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.
Source: allafrica.com
