Zanzibar's blue economy surges as fish production doubles, seaweed thrives, tourism booms

Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar's audacious bet on the ocean is paying off handsomely.

The island, long known for its pristine beaches and laid-back charm, is experiencing a surge in development fueled by its innovative Blue Economy strategy.

Since embracing this approach three years ago, Zanzibar has witnessed a remarkable transformation.

President Hussein Mwinyi proudly points to booming sectors like tourism, fishing, seaweed farming, and marine infrastructure.

"We've provided equipment, capital, training, and infrastructure like the Malindi fish market and Chamanangwe seaweed factory," explains Mwinyi. "The results speak for themselves."

Indeed, the numbers paint a vibrant picture. Fish production has nearly doubled, with exports quadrupling between 2020 and 2023.

Seaweed production has followed suit, jumping from 8,785 tonnes to 16,653 tonnes in the same period.

A vital piece of the puzzle is empowering local communities. "We gave 500 boats to 5,000 seaweed farmers," Mwinyi says. "And guess what? They're thriving."

The government's commitment to a thriving marine ecosystem is evident in its support for value addition. The Chamanangwe seaweed processing plant is just the first step, with more facilities planned in collaboration with Korean partners.

Even better, three small factories will empower local entrepreneurs.

Zanzibar's golden goose is not forgotten. Tourist arrivals have skyrocketed by 143 percent since 2020, thanks in part to increased international flights and a surge in luxury hotels.

The number of tourism projects has also jumped by 15 percent.

Before the Revolution, Zanzibar's vast marine resources lay largely untapped.

Today, the island is riding a wave of success, proving that a sustainable approach to ocean-based development can be a blueprint for prosperity.