Yas steps up investment to support Zanzibar’s blue economy and tourism

Zanzibar. Telecommunications Company Yas has stepped up investment in network infrastructure and services across Zanzibar as part of efforts to drive the growth of the blue economy and tourism sector.

The investment includes the expansion and upgrading of its network across Unguja and Pemba, particularly in areas with growing tourism and commercial activity, as demand for fast and reliable internet connectivity continues to rise among residents, businesses and visitors.

Speaking during the Kizimkazi Festival, Yas’ Head of Region for Zanzibar, Mohamed Waqid said the growth of tourism has increased demand for reliable connectivity, with digital technology becoming an increasingly important part of how businesses in the sector operate and engage with customers.

He said Yas has continued to strengthen its network in key tourism destinations to ensure residents, visitors and businesses have access to reliable communication and digital services.

“As part of our support for the tourism sector, we have continued to invest in fast and reliable connectivity across different areas. We want to ensure that Zanzibar residents and visitors can easily stay connected with their families and access digital services, while tourism operators can also use our network to run their businesses,” Waqid said.

He cited Kizimkazi, Makunduchi, Paje, Jambiani and Michamvi among the areas where Yas has continued to strengthen network services in response to growing tourism, business and investment activities.

According to Waqid, reliable connectivity in these areas is enabling hotels, restaurants, tour operators, transport providers and other entrepreneurs to communicate with customers, promote their services online and reach new markets.

Beyond network infrastructure, he said Yas has also been working to improve access to smartphones, particularly among young people and entrepreneurs, to enable more Zanzibaris to participate in the digital economy.

“We are also enabling entrepreneurs to access smartphones so they can participate in the digital economy. Technology today provides many opportunities to grow businesses, access information and reach new customers, and we want young people to be part of these opportunities,” he said.

The Kizimkazi Festival brings together Zanzibar residents as well as visitors from Mainland Tanzania and abroad, providing a platform to showcase Zanzibari culture, promote tourism and support social and economic activities.

Issa Juma Nahoda, a teacher and Makunduchi resident who visited the Yas pavilion during the festival and purchased a 5G router for home use, said reliable internet connectivity has become increasingly important as more work and education activities move online.

“Almost everything now depends on the internet. As a teacher, there are many things I need to do from home. Having reliable and affordable internet at home will help me do my work without having to buy data bundles daily,” Nahoda said.

Yas said it will continue expanding and upgrading its communications infrastructure across Zanzibar to keep pace with growing demand for digital services and support tourism, trade and entrepreneurship - sectors that play an important role in the development of the islands’ blue economy.