Zanzibar’s trade ambitions get a boost as Contiways and DHL launch new logistics hub

Zanzibar. A new trade and logistics hub launched in Zanzibar is set to streamline the island’s access to international markets and bolster its small business sector.

On June 5, 2025, Contiways Logistics TZ, in partnership with DHL Global Forwarding, unveiled the DHL House of Traders—a facility designed to remove freight bottlenecks and improve trade efficiency for local enterprises.

The launch event, held at the Golden Tulip Ballroom at Zanzibar Airport Hotel, brought together regional logistics leaders, business executives, and government officials from East Africa, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

General Manager of Contiways Logistics TZ, Ahmed Ali Masoud, described the platform as a turning point for the island’s business community.

“This is more than a logistics hub—it’s a platform for opportunity,” he said. “Contiways Logistics, powered by DHL House of Traders, is built to serve our traders, our youth, and our region. We’re here to remove barriers, improve efficiency, and open new doors for Zanzibar’s economy.”

The platform is expected to offer integrated air and sea freight services, customs support, and trade facilitation tailored to Zanzibar’s growing network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is positioned to significantly reduce shipping delays, increase transparency, and enable more businesses to scale across borders.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, Habiba Hassan Omar, who officiated the launch, described the initiative as a timely development in Zanzibar’s economic strategy.

The programme included a panel discussion titled “Tackling Delays & Boosting Trade,” featuring voices from across the international logistics sector.

Panellists included Chief Executive Officer of Greenways Shipping Agency (UAE), Shaji Abbas; Chief Executive Officer of CONTICO (India), Santosh Kumar; Customs and delivery expert based in Zanzibar, Hisham; and representative from DHL Global Forwarding, Shivani.

The discussion addressed trade challenges such as port congestion, customs delays, and the need for coordinated regional logistics systems.

The event also featured a cultural performance by Zanzibar musician, Nassor “Cholo” Ganun, adding a creative element to the otherwise trade-focused occasion.

Contiways Logistics, headquartered in Zanzibar with operations in India and the UAE, specialises in freight forwarding, customs clearance, and trade facilitation. The company’s partnership with DHL places it at the centre of a regional push to modernise and digitise trade logistics in the Indian Ocean corridor.

As Zanzibar works to diversify its economy and position itself more competitively in global markets, the launch of the House of Traders is seen as a strategic investment in the future of trade and enterprise development across the archipelago.