Zanzibar to establish blue economy, marine conservation college

Unguja. Zanzibar’s government is laying the groundwork for a specialised college focused on fisheries and marine conservation, with plans for the institution to offer programmes in marine farming and blue economy management.

The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening expertise and promoting sustainable development within the Isles’ growing blue economy sector.

The Minister of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Shaaban Ali Othman, announced on Saturday, 24 May 2025, when was responding to questions from Uzini representative Mr Haji Shaaban Waziri.

Mr Waziri had sought clarification on when Zanzibar would begin offering blue economy courses to address the skills gap that continues to hinder effective utilisation of marine and coastal resources.

“The college is expected to be constructed in Pemba,” Mr Othman told the ongoing House session.

 “A draft bill for its establishment is already in place, and we are currently in the stakeholder consultation phase,” he added.

According to the minister, the government is in the final stages of securing land for the college and completing architectural designs for its infrastructure.

When pressed for a definitive timeline for the college’s completion, especially given the urgency of building local capacity in the blue economy sector, Mr Othman said that although he could not commit to a fixed date, the government expects the college to be operational in the 2025/26 financial year.

Strategic need amid rising demand

Responding to further inquiries on the specific number of specialists currently lacking in the sector, Mr Othman noted that while exact statistics were unavailable, the demand for skilled personnel was pressing and on the rise.

“There is an ongoing demand for professionals. We conducted a needs assessment across various areas of the blue economy, and the findings indicate significant gaps. As new subfields continue to emerge, we must train more experts to keep pace with developments,” he said.

He underscored that the swift completion of the college would depend heavily on how quickly the government could finalise land acquisition.

No local programmes in oil and gas yet

During the same session, another representative, Mr Juma Ali Khatib—a presidential appointee and member of the Ada Tadea party—raised concerns regarding the status of oil and gas education in Zanzibar.

He sought to know where aspiring oil and gas professionals were currently being trained and what measures the government had in place to develop this critical sub-sector of the blue economy.

In response, Mr Othman admitted that no institution in Zanzibar currently offers courses in oil and gas, attributing this to the sector's relatively recent introduction in the Isles.

“Currently, no local colleges offer training in this field. However, the government is exploring how best to integrate oil and gas programmes into existing institutions,” said Mr Othman.

He further noted that most professionals currently working in the oil and gas sector were trained abroad, though efforts were underway to reverse this trend.

“We are working to embed these programmes into our institutions so that we can train local specialists within Zanzibar,” he insisted.

Zanzibar’s vision for a blue economy

The blue economy—broadly defined as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and employment while preserving marine ecosystem health—has become central to Zanzibar’s long-term development strategy.

From sustainable fishing and aquaculture to tourism, marine conservation, renewable ocean energy, and maritime transport, the sector is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of economic transformation and environmental stewardship in the semi-autonomous archipelago.

Establishing a dedicated training institution is expected to significantly enhance local capacity and reduce dependency on foreign expertise, particularly in fisheries management, marine biotechnology, oceanography, and ecosystem preservation.

Why Pemba?

The decision to locate the college in Pemba is seen as strategic. With its rich marine biodiversity and active fishing communities, the island is well-placed to become a hub for marine research, innovation, and grassroots conservation.

Experts argue that the college’s establishment in Pemba will promote regional balance in the distribution of educational infrastructure while also fostering sustainable practices across both main islands.

Furthermore, the institution is expected to collaborate with regional and international bodies to ensure its curricula meet global standards and address both current and emerging needs in the blue economy.

Long-term gains: economic, environmental, and social

Beyond immediate job creation, the new college is anticipated to yield wide-ranging benefits.

By developing a robust pipeline of skilled professionals, Zanzibar will be better equipped to implement marine spatial planning, expand sustainable fisheries, and tap into emerging industries such as seaweed farming, maritime logistics, and ocean-based tourism.

The institution will also play a pivotal role in raising awareness of environmental conservation, supporting research into climate resilience, and promoting community-led initiatives to safeguard coastal zones.

Investment in youth and innovation

As part of its broader commitment to youth development, the Zanzibar government regards the college as a vital platform for nurturing innovation among young people, particularly those from coastal communities.

“It’s not just about training individuals for jobs—we aim to cultivate a generation of innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs capable of driving Zanzibar towards a sustainable blue economy,” said a senior official in the ministry.

A Model for the region

If successful, the college could become a model for other East African countries looking to better harness their marine resources.

Regional organisations and donor agencies have already expressed interest in supporting the initiative, viewing it as aligned with global efforts to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals—especially Goal 14: Life Below Water.

Although Zanzibar’s blue economy is still in its early stages, the planned establishment of a specialised institution marks a potentially transformative milestone—one that could redefine the Isles’ economic prospects and establish its credentials in marine sustainability.

As consultations proceed and groundwork begins, attention will now turn to the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries to see whether it can realise this ambitious project within the anticipated timeframe.

If land acquisition and construction advance without delay, the college could open its doors as early as mid-2026, ushering in a new era of opportunity for Zanzibaris and the wider region.