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Mwinyi’s 3-year journey of building strong blue economy now evident
What you need to know:
- Since taking office on November 2, 2020, Dr Mwinyi has embarked on a journey to harness the immense potential of the blue economy, setting the stage for Zanzibar’s remarkable economic resurgence.
Dar es Salaam. As President Hussein Ali Mwinyi marks three-year tenure as the leader of Zanzibar, the archipelago’s transformation under his leadership becomes increasingly evident, according to experts.
Since taking office on November 2, 2020, Dr Mwinyi has embarked on a journey to harness the immense potential of the blue economy, setting the stage for Zanzibar’s remarkable economic resurgence.
In this feature, we delve into the pivotal role of President Mwinyi in shaping a thriving blue economy, with a special focus on the critical components of fisheries and aquaculture.
The blue economy dream takes flight
From the outset, President Mwinyi’s agenda for Zanzibar has revolved around the rejuvenation of the blue economy. He recognises that Zanzibar’s prosperity lies in its vast maritime resources, including the surrounding waters of Unguja and Pemba.
In a recent conversation with the Ambassador of Finland in the country, Ms Theresa Zitting, Dr Mwinyi emphasised his government’s commitment to strengthening the blue economy policy, which encompasses five key sectors: tourism, fishing, shipping, ports, and oil and gas.
The tourism sector is one of the cornerstones of Zanzibar’s blue economy. The island boasts picturesque beaches, a rich cultural heritage, and abundant investment opportunities.
President Mwinyi has been eager to open the doors to investors who can harness the opportunities, offering them a warm invitation to participate in Zanzibar’s growth.
In the realm of fishing, Zanzibar’s bounty is centred on marine life, including fisheries, chick farming, sea cucumber cultivation, and seaweed farming.
This sector has also been instrumental in creating employment opportunities, particularly for women and young people. Dr Mwinyi’s government is committed to reducing unemployment challenges in the islands through the sustainable exploitation of these resources.
Blue economy vision unveiled
President Mwinyi’s inauguration marked the beginning of an ambitious plan to transform Zanzibar into a blue economic powerhouse. The Blue Economy policy, as outlined in the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050, outlines a roadmap for the archipelago’s development over the next three decades.
This policy emphasises five priority areas: fisheries and aquaculture, maritime trade and infrastructure, energy, tourism, and marine and maritime governance.
By strategically focusing on these key sectors, Zanzibar aims to boost employment, enhance trade balance, ensure food and nutritional security, and protect the marine environment.
The vision for 2030 is clear: Zanzibar aims to be the leading hub for blue economy activities in the Western Indian Ocean region.
“President Mwinyi’s dedication to this vision is evident in the myriad initiatives he has set in motion,’ notes an expert in marine resource economics based in Dar es Salaam, Dr Mohamed Tarbo in an interview yesterday.
In just three years, President Mwinyi has succeeded in reshaping the way Zanzibar views its maritime resources. He has galvanised investors and the private sector to participate in the blue economy’s potential.
Dr Tarbo commends Dr Mwinyi’s efforts, stating: “We have already seen the intention of President Mwinyi. We are not worried about his promises three years ago because we already see how he is making every effort to see that the opportunity of the blue economy is embraced and to boost Zanzibar economically.”
He said President Mwinyi’s call for swift and efficient implementation of the blue economy strategy had inspired action. “His dynamic leadership and commitment to managing this strategy with urgency have instilled hope and confidence among investors, both local and international.
As an island state, Zanzibar’s socio-economic development is intrinsically linked to the sea, coast, and marine resources. Approximately 98 percent of Zanzibar’s international trade relies on seaborne transportation.
Blue activities, which encompass fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport, contribute significantly to the Zanzibar Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employ a substantial portion of the population.
While the fishing sector accounted for 4.8 percent of the overall economic output in 2019, it has the potential for much more significant contributions, experts affirm, saying Zanzibar is transitioning from an agricultural-based economy to one that places a greater emphasis on services, particularly the thriving tourism industry.
Overcoming hurdles
The path to realising the blue economy’s potential in Zanzibar is not without challenges. Harmful human activities, skill gaps, limited financial resources, and institutional capacities have posed obstacles to the full-scale development of this sector.
However, President Mwinyi’s administration has displayed unwavering determination to overcome these challenges and embrace the blue economy as a vehicle for sustainable development.
The Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 and the Blue Economy Policy and Strategy serve as guiding frameworks for the effective utilisation of marine and maritime resources, ensuring sustainable growth while preserving the environment.
“These are the policies carrying the roadmap, and President Mwinyi has been at the forefront of demanding his servicemen work to ensure their implementation. We have witnessed his (president) efforts whenever he makes a comment in a forum or meeting with his visitors. Challenges are there, but there is hope,” Dr Yvone Maseke, a former lecturer at the State University of Zanzibar, said.
On June 12, 2021, the government of Zanzibar, in collaboration with international partners, hosted a high-level forum on the blue economy. Officiated by President Mwinyi, the forum brought together decision-makers, private sector representatives, development partners, and academia.
It provided a platform to discuss the vast potential of the blue economy in the archipelago and explore effective management practices.
President Mwinyi praised the forum as a catalyst for driving sustainable prosperity through this vital sector. The event underscored the importance of preserving coastal and marine ecosystems while harnessing their economic potential.
Zanzibar’s strategic direction towards the blue economy is not just a matter of choice but a necessity, according Dr Maseke. With limited inland resources, the archipelago’s strategic geographical location, and its dependence on coastal and maritime services, the blue economy offers a gateway to significant ocean-based wealth.
“This is why President Mwinyi is on the verge of succeeding because this is a potential that even us, researchers, believe would take the islands to great heights,” she said.
The majority of Zanzibar’s population traditionally relies on coastal and maritime services, with tourism, small-scale fishing, and maritime trade dominating the economy.
“This is an opportunity waiting to be harnessed, not only for the benefit of the archipelago but for all coastal communities across Africa,” she noted.
In the broader context of African development, the potential of the blue economy remains largely untapped. Out of 54 African states, 38 are coastal nations, and the continent boasts an impressive 30,500 kilometres of coastline.
Despite the advantages, most blue economy activities are small-scale, often using traditional methods and crafts along coastal reefs. “President Mwinyi’s vision is a blueprint for the socio-economic growth and transformation of African societies,” says Dr Tarbo.
As President Mwinyi commemorates three years at the helm of Zanzibar, the trajectory of the archipelago’s economic future is unmistakable, the marine expert further highlighted.
“His relentless commitment to the blue economy has set the stage for a transformation that will empower Zanzibar.”
