Zanzibar Unveils Ambitious 3.292 Trillion Shilling Development Plan for 2025/26
Zanzibar has revealed a comprehensive economic development strategy targeting five critical sectors with a groundbreaking budget of 3.292 trillion shillings for the upcoming financial year. The plan aims to transform the region through strategic investments in human capacity, economic development, infrastructure, blue economy, and governance.
The proposed budget represents a significant 57.77 percent increase from the current financial year, signaling substantial economic expansion and development momentum.
Key Development Priorities:
Human Development Highlights:
– Major hospital upgrades at Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital
– Construction of new Binguni Hospital
– Development of affordable housing in multiple districts
– Building 1,000 new classrooms
– Expanding State University of Zanzibar
– Constructing a national sports stadium
Economic Transformation Strategies:
– Establishing industrial zones and business parks
– Enhancing agricultural production
– Promoting spice exports
– Expanding digital infrastructure
– Implementing international undersea fiber-optic cable project
Infrastructure Investments:
– Constructing Pemba Airport
– Developing second passenger terminal at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
– Building 782.9 kilometers of roads
– Investing 1.201 trillion shillings in water and electricity infrastructure
Blue Economy Focus:
– Constructing fish processing plants
– Building integrated ports
– Investing 428.09 billion shillings in fishing infrastructure
Economic Projections:
– Expected economic growth of 7.3 percent in 2025
– Anticipated 12.6 percent increase in tourist arrivals
– Targeting single-digit inflation
– Emphasizing private sector engagement
The government plans to finance 71.2 percent of the development budget through domestic sources, with development partners contributing the remaining 28.8 percent.
This comprehensive plan underscores Zanzibar’s commitment to sustainable economic development, infrastructure modernization, and strategic investments across multiple sectors.
