Zanzibar representatives weigh in on 2025/26 budget

Unguja. As the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGZ) unveils the budget framework for the 2025/26 fiscal year, representatives have called for enhanced revenue collection, claiming that current levels fall short of expectations.

The government anticipates collecting Sh6.8 trillion in the forthcoming fiscal year, up from Sh5.8 trillion in the 2024/25 fiscal year.

During a House of Representatives session yesterday Paje Representative, Soud Nahoda, urged the government to strengthen oversight of revenue collection, particularly in the tourism sector.

Despite considerable revenue, he noted that funds are not reaching the government’s central coffers but are instead controlled by a select few.

Mr Nahoda also criticised the government’s lack of support for agriculture, advocating for modern farming tools to improve production.

"I recommend prioritising locally consumed crops to control inflation and reduce dependence on imports," said Mr Nahoda. He further proposed the establishment of small industries to bolster the economy, create youth employment, and stimulate growth.

Mr Nahoda also suggested increasing taxes on alcoholic beverages to curb inflation as well as improving cleanliness in Mji Mkongwe (Old Town) to attract more tourists.

Wawi Representative, Mr Bakari Hamad Bakari, expressed dissatisfaction with local governments’ contributions and urged the government to enhance oversight of collected funds. 

He noted that the number of tourists does not align with the revenue collected and called for better utilisation of the sea to generate income. 

"We are not fully capitalising on the sea’s potential. The government should invest in purchasing fishing vessels and reduce reliance on loans," recommended Mr Bakari.

He also proposed exploring alternative revenue sources to reduce dependence on loans and aid, which often delay project completion.

He highlighted the minimal contribution from both public institutions and private organisations and urged the government to find ways to increase their contributions to the national treasury. 

Kiembesamaki Representative, Suleiman Haroub Suleiman, suggested investing in conference facilities to attract meeting tourism. 

He also called on the government to focus on sports tourism, noting that despite previous announcements, the sector has not received adequate attention.

Mr Suleiman also raised concerns about citizens’ difficulties in accessing loans from government empowerment institutions and recommended public education on loans to improve repayment rates.