Following an overwhelming response to the decision by the Government of Zanzibar to open up 10 smaller islands for high-end development and investment opportunities last year, a further nine islands have been added to the investment portfolio.
The programme, which is being implemented by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), further builds on the Zanzibarean government’s strategy to attract foreign investment by granting interested parties Strategic Investment Status, which offers a host of residential and investment benefits.
Zanzibar is a world-renowned trading hub given its geographical location, awash with abundant agricultural and marine resources and home to some of the most idyllic beaches in the world. As such, the smaller islands or islets are ideal for specialised investment projects.
Phase one of the small island programme rolled out in 2021 included the islets of Changuu (Prison Island), Bawe Island, Chumbe Island, Kwale Island, Misali Island, Njao Island, Matumbini, Pamunda A & B, and Chapwani.
The uptake of investment opportunities on these islets confirms Zanzibar’s status as the investment hotspot on the African continent.
According to ZIPA executive director Shariff Shariff, the public and investors responded magnificently to the initial islet offering, prompting the decision to launch phase two of the programme in 2022.
“We are seeking to further increase the diversification of our blue-economy policy by attracting high-end investment. Small islands surrounding Zanzibar are major assets with huge win-win potential,” Shariff stated.
As with the first phase, potential investors are being asked to submit proposals to develop, operate and manage the next nine islands or plots of land thereon under a long-term lease.
The islands are located in South Unguja, North Unguja, South Pemba and North Pemba, and include Sume, Popo, Miwi, Jombe, Kwata, Kashani, Fundo (200 hectares), Njao (200 hectares) and Matumbini (200 hectares).
These islands, which are accessible all-year round by boat, are ideally suited to investment projects such as tourist attractions, fishing hubs, exhibition centres, recreational activities and the establishment of ICT and agricultural hubs.
