Zanzibar Unveils Major Investment Forum to Boost Pemba’s Economic Potential
In a strategic move to unlock economic opportunities, Zanzibar will host its first high-level investment forum in Pemba, showcasing the island’s vast potential for regional and international investors.
Scheduled to officially launch on June 16, 2025, under the patronage of President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, the forum will highlight investment prospects across multiple sectors in the Micheweni Free Economic Zone.
The 800.8-hectare site represents a significant infrastructure development, with the government actively improving critical infrastructure including a 15-kilometer access road, electricity, water supply, and internet connectivity.
“This is Pemba’s moment,” said Zanzibar’s Chief Secretary, emphasizing the strategic importance of opening the region to investment opportunities. The government aims to create an inclusive investment environment that benefits both local residents and external investors.
Key investment sectors include residential housing, hospitality, healthcare, education, and information technology. Notably, a dedicated zone has been specifically allocated for youth-driven start-up businesses, signaling a commitment to innovation and entrepreneurial development.
The investment forum is part of a broader strategy to transform Pemba into an attractive investment destination within the Zanzibar archipelago. Recent legislative updates, including amendments to the Investment Act, further demonstrate the government’s proactive approach to facilitating investment.
Local authorities are encouraging active participation from community members, stressing that investment opportunities are not exclusively reserved for foreign investors but are a collective economic advancement strategy.
