Zanzibar up to showcase Pemba’s untapped potential

Dar es Salaam. The Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (Zipa) has reaffirmed its commitment to unlock the economic potential of Pemba Island, as it prepares to host a major investment summit in early May.

The three-day event is expected to draw more than 1,000 visitors and exhibitors from within the region and beyond, as Pemba positions itself as an emerging hub for sustainable development and investment in the Indian Ocean.

Speaking during a visit to Mwananchi Communications Limited, Zipa’s Executive Director Saleh Saad Mohamed emphasised the summit’s role in transforming perceptions of Zanzibar’s economic geography.

“Many people assume that once they’ve visited Unguja, they’ve seen all of Zanzibar,” he said. “But Pemba has enormous untapped potential, especially in eco-investments thanks to its pristine natural environment.”

The summit will showcase investment opportunities across key sectors including tourism, agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy and the blue economy.

In addition to exhibitions and the launch of a new investment report among others, the program will feature daily excursions to ensure that attendees experience the island first-hand.

“This is not just about coming to Pemba — it’s about seeing Pemba,” Mr Mohamed added.

The summit comes at a time when Zipa has made significant strides in attracting investment. Over the past five years, the authority has registered more than 480 projects valued at approximately $6 billion, with the bulk in hospitality, real estate and blue economy-related ventures.

“Since Zipa’s inception, we’ve registered over 1,350 projects worth $12 billion, nearly half of which were secured in the past five years,” he said.

Infrastructure development is playing a central role in Pemba’s transformation.

Mr Mohamed confirmed that major works are underway at Pemba Airport and the island’s key port projects, aimed at improving accessibility by both air and sea.

“As we speak, contractors are already on-site. Soil testing at the airport is ongoing, and construction of both the port and road networks has begun,” he said.

In June, 2023, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar signed a $428 million (Sh1.01trillion) agreement with the UK Export Financing for the expansion of the Pemba Airport and to construct various road networks in Unguja and Pemba.

The extensive Zanzibar road project was to encompass the 48km Tunguu-Makudunchi Road in Unguja South Region, the 12km Kisauni-Fumba Road in West Urban Region, and the 43.5km Mkoani-Chake Chake Pemba Road.

The project is set to transform Pemba Airport into an international airport by extending its runway to 2.5 kilometres and adding a new terminal building.

Construction will take place in two phases, with the first phase involving the redesign of the terminal building and extending the runway. 

Pemba Airport currently serves only 45,000 passengers annually, whereas the number of tourists visiting the island exceeds 110,000 annually, and upon completion it will accommodate 750,000 passengers annually.

Mr Mohamed also addressed the issue of islet development, noting that several leased islets such as Bawe Island have already commenced operations, while others remain under construction.

He underscored the potential of deep-sea fishing, saying that Zanzibar and Tanzania in general offer some of the most favourable coastlines in Africa, yet the sector remains largely untapped.

“There’s a vast opportunity here. We must look beyond land-based investments and fully embrace our marine resources,” he said.