The manifesto highlights major road projects, including the 48-kilometre Tunguu–Makunduchi road, the 12-kilometre Fumba–Kisauni road, and the 43.5-kilometre Mkoani–Chake road in Pemba.
Zanzibar. Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has unveiled an ambitious infrastructure agenda for Zanzibar in its 2025–2030 manifesto, promising new roads, airports, ports, and maritime services as part of its push to transform connectivity and economic activity in the Isles.
The projects, if delivered, would represent one of the most significant investment drives in Zanzibar’s infrastructure in recent years.
But analysts caution that while the promises align with CCM’s longstanding development vision, the real challenge lies in translating them into tangible results for residents and businesses.
Linking communities and tourism hubs
The manifesto highlights major road projects, including the 48-kilometre Tunguu–Makunduchi road, the 12-kilometre Fumba–Kisauni road, and the 43.5-kilometre Mkoani–Chake road in Pemba.
Also included is the 12-kilometre Nungwi Tourism Road, aimed at easing access to one of Zanzibar’s busiest destinations.
Improved roads are expected to benefit smallholder farmers, traders, and tourism operators by reducing transport costs and connecting remote areas to urban centres.
However, CCM’s record shows that road projects in Zanzibar have often been slow-moving, with budgetary constraints and land compensation disputes delaying progress.
Observers say whether the party can accelerate project execution this time will be critical in proving its commitment.
Expanding Zanzibar’s skies
On aviation, CCM pledges to expand Pemba Airport, with a longer runway and a new passenger terminal, alongside the construction of new airports at Nungwi and Paje for small passenger planes.
The plan reflects Zanzibar’s heavy reliance on tourism, where air access is crucial.
Yet, the Isles’ airports have long struggled with limited capacity, flight delays, and insufficient international connections.
The manifesto’s promise of increased flight frequency is notable, though it stops short of specifying measurable targets.
Though critics have in the past argued that CCM has made similar pledges, particularly around Pemba’s airport expansion, which has faced multiple delays, this time the funds have already been secured, and construction is set to begin.
Strengthening the blue economy
The manifesto also emphasises Zanzibar’s maritime potential, with plans to build an integrated port at Mangapwani and introduce sea taxi services to link residents and tourists.
While these ideas fit within the broader blue economy strategy, experts note that Zanzibar’s port sector has long been plagued by congestion, outdated facilities, and reliance on Dar es Salaam for major cargo handling.
For many, the Mangapwani port project could be transformative, but only if it avoids the pitfalls of stalled or underfunded initiatives seen previously at Malindi.
Balancing vision with delivery
CCM’s Zanzibar pledges align with President Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s focus on economic reforms and infrastructure expansion during his first term.
However, the scale of new commitments, covering roads, aviation, and maritime transport simultaneously, raises questions about implementation capacity.
“Zanzibar needs this kind of investment to remain competitive as a tourism hub, but CCM’s challenge is not in vision, it is in delivery,” said one development analyst in Unguja.
“People will judge them less on the ambition of these projects and more on whether they materialise within realistic timelines.”
Voter expectations
For many Zanzibaris, particularly in rural communities, improved feeder roads, dependable ferry or sea taxi services, and enhanced airport facilities could significantly transform daily life and business.
But with the election approaching, some view the manifesto as part of a familiar cycle of high-profile promises, not all of which have historically been fulfilled.
Whether CCM can overcome past implementation gaps may determine not only the success of these projects but also the party’s credibility in the Isles as it seeks another mandate.
