Unguja. The President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has launched a residential housing project worth $17 million (Sh44.973 billion) in Kizimkazi, pledging to continue creating an enabling environment to attract even greater investment.
The Aman Residency housing project was launched on Thursday, August 13, 2026, as part of the celebrations for the 2026 Kizimkazi Festival in South Unguja Region.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Mwinyi said the project is vital for the economy of Kizimkazi and the nation as a whole.
“Indeed, I have toured the houses and am very satisfied with the standard achieved; we congratulate them. We will continue to foster a friendly environment for the private sector so that it can participate fully in building our nation's economy and development,” said Dr Mwinyi.
He seized the opportunity to urge government leaders at all levels to continue promoting investment opportunities available in their areas and to work closely with the private sector so that these prospects benefit investors, citizens, and the government as a whole.
“I am very impressed with this project. We have been informed that the Aman Residency project here in Kizimkazi has been planned and constructed to modern standards, taking into account all essential requirements for rental housing, social service areas, leisure, entertainment, sports, fitness, and disability-friendly infrastructure,” noted Dr Mwinyi.
“This is the type of investment we require to achieve our ambition of providing quality housing across various parts of the country,” he added.
According to him, this investment step is clear proof of the high level of confidence held by both local and international investors, driven by the government's favourable policies aimed at attracting private sector participation in the country.
“I warmly congratulate our investors, particularly local investors, for making good use of this opportunity,” he said.
He noted that one of the core objectives of the Kizimkazi Festival is to market various investment opportunities available in Kizimkazi and South Unguja Region in general, including in the sub-sectors of residential housing, commercial properties, and hotels.
“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the leadership of South Unguja Region and its districts for continuing to make effective use of the Kizimkazi Festival to promote the investment opportunities present in their area,” said Dr Mwinyi.
The Minister of State in the President's Office for Labour and Investment, Mr Shariff Ali Shariff, stated that while the project was registered with the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (Zipa) with an initial value of $17 million, actual capital expenditure has exceeded that figure.
A section of the Aman Residency housing project launched in Kizimkazi, South Unguja Region, on 13 August 2026. PHOTO| JESSE MIKOFU
Mr Shariff revealed that South Unguja Region alone accounts for 351 investment projects, 206 of which (74 percent) are in the real estate and hospitality sectors.
“These projects are expected to generate 16,673 jobs; these are the grand achievements of Dr Mwinyi, and let us continue to support our leader,” said Mr Shariff.
Delivering a report on the project, Mr Mustapha Bay from Mohamed Enterprises, the project's contractor, stated that the investment is expected to deliver services, boost investment, and spur economic growth in the area.
According to Mr Bay, the 11-acre development features modern housing designed for service delivery, relaxation, entertainment, and sports activities.
“There are three blocks comprising 64 apartments, along with two types of villas capable of accommodating 82 families simultaneously,” he said.
The investor behind the project, Mr Said Bopar, praised the conducive environment created by the government for investors, promising to continue investing in other major projects.
“We are expanding businesses, increasing employment, and growing the economy. We thank both governments for the cooperation they provide, which makes it easier for us to invest across various sectors,” said Mr Bopar.
South Unguja Regional Commissioner, Ms Hamida Khamis Mussa, noted that the region is opening up increasingly through major development projects whilst further boosting its appeal for tourism.
