Dar es Salaam. Kizimkazi Mikunguni village has secured a fully equipped modern fishing vessel worth Sh29 million after winning the Kizimkazi Festival canoe race.
The competition, held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, was sponsored by CRDB Bank as part of the annual Kizimkazi Festival.
The event also attracted residents and visitors from across Zanzibar.
It brought together 20 paddlers from Kizimkazi Mikunguni and Kizimkazi Dimbani villages.
Mikunguni Ward emerged overall winner after its competitors secured first and second positions in the race.
The winner received Sh1 million, while the second- and third-placed paddlers took home Sh800,000 and Sh500,000 respectively, with all cash prizes provided by CRDB Bank.
Receiving the vessel, Mikunguni Ward Leader Mwachumu Shaka Ali said the craft would transform the local economy and increase village revenue.
"This boat will benefit our entire community as we use it to expand our fishing operations and finance local initiatives," she said.
Race winner Nassor Hassan Khatib expressed gratitude for the cash prize, saying it would support his fishing enterprise.
"Rigorous practice secured my victory. I am grateful to CRDB Bank for this reward, which will help expand my business," said Mr Khatib.
Former Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Doto Biteko, who was the guest of honour, commended the organisers, saying sports promote national unity.
He urged citizens to support development projects spearheaded by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi.
"We congratulate President Samia, founder of the Kizimkazi Festival, for creating a vital platform that promotes development, employment, entertainment and investment," said Dr Biteko.
CRDB Bank chief financial officer, Mr Frederick Nshekanabo, said the lender had supported the traditional canoe race for seven consecutive years.
He reaffirmed the bank's commitment to social responsibility alongside its core banking operations.
"Wherever we operate, locally and internationally, we remain committed to empowering communities through targeted social investments," said Mr Nshekanabo.
South Unguja District Commissioner, Mr Othman Maulid Othman, said the festival continued to generate socioeconomic benefits for the district, particularly in infrastructure and the blue economy.
"The initiative has improved household incomes while increasing district and regional revenue collections," said Mr Othman.
Kisarawe District Commissioner, Mr Peter Magoti added: "We applaud our Union and Zanzibar leaders for their visionary leadership in accelerating development across both sides of the Union."
