Zanzibar autonomy, blue economy take centre-stage in Chaumma election agenda

The ruling party, CCM continues to support the existing arrangement, in which the Union Government operates alongside the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ).

Opposition parties, however, have consistently called for a three-government model comprising the Union Government, a Government of Tanganyika, and a Government of Zanzibar.

Decades of debate over the Union’s future have yielded little consensus, with each side holding firm convictions about the arrangement that would best serve Tanzania in the coming decades.

Tanzania’s Chaumma has now clarified its position in its Manifesto, outlining how it intends to reform the Union and Zanzibar’s economy if entrusted with power.

Advocating a three-government union

Chaumma proposes the establishment of three fully autonomous governments.

According to the Manifesto, the party would initiate a process to draft a new constitution for the United Republic of Tanzania once in office.

Under the proposed system, the governments of Tanganyika and Zanzibar would enjoy full autonomy over internal affairs, while the Union Government would be limited to overseeing Union matters alone.

The party further pledges to restore Zanzibar’s status and autonomy, including the right to join regional and international organisations independently.

These would include the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other bodies intended to enhance Zanzibar’s recognition, dignity, and national interests.

Revenue and monetary policy

Chaumma’s Manifesto also addresses financial governance. The party promises to establish a Zanzibar Central Bank to oversee monetary and economic policy within the archipelago, following constitutional amendments to confer full autonomy.

It pledges that Zanzibar will receive its rightful share of revenues generated by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) by legal obligations.

Moreover, the Manifesto envisages restoring Zanzibar’s capacity to borrow independently, both domestically and internationally, without external guarantees.

Building a people-centred economy

Economically, Chaumma says it will focus on reducing inequality and creating a people-centred economy rather than one serving only a privileged few.

The Manifesto outlines several empowerment schemes, including grants and interest-free loans, particularly targeting women and youth.

It also promises to establish small-scale processing industries for agricultural, fishing, and livestock products in every district, alongside business innovation hubs in Unguja and Pemba.

“The Chaumma government will establish a price regulation authority for essential goods such as food and cooking oil, and create strategic reserves for key products to curb or eliminate inflation,” the Manifesto states.

In partnership with the private sector, Chaumma plans to develop international-standard tourism infrastructure to attract global visitors to Zanzibar’s beaches, historic sites, and cultural landmarks.

Reforming the blue economy

Chaumma also aims to modernise the fisheries sector as part of its broader blue economy agenda.

The party intends to upgrade domestic and international production, positioning fishing as a leading economic sector in Zanzibar.

The Manifesto targets the creation of over 470,000 jobs, equivalent to nearly a quarter of the archipelago’s workforce.

Additionally, the party pledges to restore Zanzibar’s authority over offshore resources, including oil, gas, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) areas.

“To ensure fishermen are provided with modern vessels for deep-sea and high-seas fishing, increasing their income and strengthening their contribution to the national economy,” reads another part of the Manifesto.

Oil and gas policy

Chaumma promises that, within its first year in office, it would enact laws and policies to initiate oil and gas exploration and production in Zanzibar.

The party further pledges to restore full rights and authority to ensure the people of Zanzibar benefit directly from maritime resources, including oil and gas reserves.

“The Chaumma government will create an enabling and inclusive environment to foster social development and skills training, equipping locals with the expertise necessary to participate fully in Zanzibar’s oil and gas sector,” the Manifesto states.

Expert analysis

Political analyst Buberwa Kaiza welcomed Chaumma’s position on the Union, stressing the need for a national dialogue to ensure a structure that benefits both Tanganyika and Zanzibar equally.

“I support the party’s stance because the Union question has long been contentious. We need a framework that will serve the nation effectively for the next 60 years,” Mr Kaiza said.

He added that a lasting solution lies in adopting a new constitution establishing a three-government structure, as recommended by the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) chaired by retired Judge Joseph Warioba.

Economic analyst Oscar Mkude highlighted the significance of Chaumma’s vision for oil and gas, noting that careful management of these resources could transform Tanzania’s economy, mirroring successes in several Middle Eastern countries.

“Chaumma’s focus on oil and gas is promising. Proper governance will ensure that Tanzanians—both current and future generations benefit from these resources,” added Mr Mkude.

Roadmap for implementation

While Chaumma’s proposals are ambitious, the party insists the reforms are achievable if supported by strong political will and effective institutional frameworks.

The Manifesto emphasises that economic empowerment, equitable resource distribution, and strategic utilisation of Zanzibar’s maritime and tourism assets are central to its development vision.

By ensuring inclusive growth, the party argues it can create a more prosperous and self-reliant Zanzibar within a stronger Union framework.

Whether the three-government model will gain traction nationally remains uncertain.

However, Chaumma has positioned itself as a champion of Zanzibar’s autonomy, pledging structural, economic, and social reforms aimed at reducing inequality and enhancing the archipelago’s international standing.