Maalim Seif Sharif conference to focus on democracy, economy, and youth empowerment

Unguja. The Maalim Seif Foundation, in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, is set to host the Fourth Anniversary conference in honor of the late Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, a prominent politician.

The event, which will take place on December 15, at Verde Hotel in Zanzibar, is expected to draw a significant crowd of stakeholders from various sectors, including politicians, civil society leaders, journalists, academics, and youth.

The First Vice President of Zanzibar, Othman Masoud Othman, will grace the event as the guest of honor, marking the official opening of the conference.

According to a statement issued by the foundation’s CEO Ismail Jussa Ladhu, the event will also feature a special keynote address from Mr Ray Hartley, the director of research at the Brenthurst Foundation, a South Africa-based think tank.

Hartley is a renowned expert on democracy and economics, and his address will bring a global perspective to the discussions surrounding the theme of the event: ‘Democracy, Market Economy, and Job Creation: Challenges and Opportunities’.

According to the foundation, the theme of this year’s anniversary conference has been carefully selected to reflect on the pressing challenges faced by democracies worldwide, especially in the context of competitive market economies.

With a rising tide of authoritarian regimes and populist movements across the globe, and increasing economic hardships and unemployment, there is a growing sense of apathy toward democratic processes.

This, the foundation says is  particularly evident in East Africa, including Zanzibar and Tanzania, where economic concerns and declining living standards have significantly impacted public attitudes towards democracy.

The discussions at the conference will delve into these issues, focusing on how democracy, competitive market economies, and job creation can contribute to sustainable growth.

With the youth making up a large proportion of the population in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Africa as a whole, particular attention will be paid to finding strategies for creating jobs and economic opportunities for young people.

The event will also serve as the launch platform for a new book titled ‘The Fulfilled Promise’, which brings together 35 poems written by 19 poets in memory of Maalim Seif.

These poignant poems express the deep sorrow and emotional impact felt by many following Maalim Seif’s passing in 2021. The collection will provide a heartfelt tribute to the man who played such a significant role in shaping Zanzibar’s political landscape.

The Maalim Seif Foundation hopes this annual meeting will not only honor the legacy of Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad but also provide a platform for meaningful conversations on democracy, economic development, and youth empowerment in the region.