Mwinyi’s unwavering commitment to Invest in tourism infrastructure in Zanzibar

By Maulid Othman

Three years ago, President Hussein Mwinyi took over the reins of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and later the Vice Chairmanship of the ruling party CCM for the isles.

His government has since made significant strides in investing in tourism infrastructure on the island, with a focus on developing new tourist destinations, improving existing ones, and constructing new roads and airports to make it easier for tourists to reach Zanzibar.

This commitment is evident in the recent signing of an agreement for the construction of Chake Chake Airport on Pemba Island.

President Mwinyi has also shown great confidence in local construction companies, awarding the contract to Mwananchi Engineering and Contracting Company Limited (MECCO) In Partnership with  Propav Infastructure UK to upgrade the airport to international status by expanding the runway to 2.5 kilometers and adding a new passenger terminal.

The joint venture’s director, Nasser Sheikh, has praised the government for its trust in local content. He believes that the partnership with Propav Infastructure UK marks a major step forward in strengthening the capacity of both companies and will ensure the project is completed on time.

The government has also awarded contracts for the construction of three roads on Unguja and Pemba to the same contractors , which will make it easier for tourists to travel to different parts of the island.

President Mwinyi's focus on tourism infrastructure is well-placed. Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the Zanzibari economy, accounting for over 30 percent of the GDP.

The government's investment in this sector is expected to create jobs, boost economic growth, and attract new tourists to the island.

The benefits of President Mwinyi's commitment to tourism infrastructure are already being felt. In the first half of 2023, tourist arrivals to Zanzibar increased by 20% compared to the same period last year.

This growth is expected to continue as new tourism destinations are developed and existing ones are improved.

President Mwinyi's vision for Zanzibar is clear: he wants to make the island a premier tourist destination in Africa. His investment in tourism infrastructure is a critical step towards achieving this goal.

President Mwinyi's commitment to investing in tourism infrastructure is a positive development for Zanzibar. The island's economy is heavily reliant on tourism, and this investment is expected to create jobs, boost economic growth, and attract new tourists. The benefits of this investment are already being felt, and Zanzibar is poised to become a premier tourist destination in Africa.