Zanzibar eyes role as regional education and innovation hub

Unguja. President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has said Zanzibar is ready to become a regional and global hub for innovation and higher education, thanks to its progress in the education sector and a peaceful, stable environment.

Opening the QS Africa Forum 2025 in Unguja on July 3, Dr Mwinyi said the government is welcoming international universities to invest on the isles, noting the presence of India’s IIT Madras as a major step forward.

“Our doors are open to investors in higher education. With institutions like IIT Madras already here, Zanzibar can become a centre for research and innovation,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi praised QS for advancing academic quality and promoting global collaboration. He said Zanzibar will continue serving as a bridge between Africa and the world, connecting knowledge with opportunity.

He emphasised the need for partnerships between African and global institutions to support research, innovation, and technology in education.

On artificial intelligence (AI), Dr Mwinyi stressed the importance of ensuring Zanzibar benefits from its adoption while working with global partners to manage its risks.

The Executive Chairman of Oman’s Modern College of Business and Science, Dr Munneer Al Maskari, said the forum aims to strengthen collaboration in research and innovation among African universities.

He said MCBS has partnered with IIT Madras to support research in Zanzibar and position it globally in education and tourism.

QS Chief Commercial Officer Jason Newman said this is the right time to showcase Africa’s education potential. He commended Zanzibar’s international partnerships and called for more investment.

Education Minister Lela Mohammed Mussa said the forum offers Tanzania an opportunity to expand university investment and research capacity.