Inside the rise of Zanzibar’s new Planning Chief

Dr Kimaro assumed office on July 14, 2026, following a series of senior government appointments announced by Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi.

She joins the commission from the President’s Office – Zanzibar Presidential Delivery Bureau (ZPDB), where she served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer. She also served as Acting Chief Executive Officer during the bureau’s establishment, helping to set up its operations and introduce a delivery-focused approach to implementing the President’s priority projects.

At ZPDB, Dr Kimaro supported the design and implementation of strategic projects covering key sectors, including the blue economy, infrastructure, social services, tourism, energy and technology.

She also oversaw technical support for project execution and the implementation of different financing models for major development initiatives. Her appointment comes as the Zanzibar Planning Commission continues to play a central role in coordinating the island’s long-term development agenda. Established under the Zanzibar Planning Commission Act No. 3 of 2012, the commission is responsible for preparing and coordinating national development plans, monitoring policies, managing demographic and statistical information, and providing research-based advice on economic growth.

Before joining ZPDB, Dr Kimaro built a career spanning public service, private sector advisory work and international development.

She has held leadership and advisory positions in government institutions, private organisations, international agencies and regional bodies, with a focus on organisational development, governance and strategic management.

Dr Kimaro holds a PhD in Monitoring and Evaluation and a postgraduate diploma in Poverty Analysis from the University of Pretoria in South Africa and the Institute of Social Studies in the Netherlands, respectively.

She is also recognised as an organisational development specialist and has provided consultancy services to public institutions, private companies and civil society organisations in Tanzania and internationally.

Beyond her executive roles, Dr Kimaro has served as a chairperson and member of several boards across public and private sector institutions.

Her appointment places her at the centre of Zanzibar’s development planning framework at a time when the government is seeking to strengthen coordination, improve implementation of development programmes and support sustainable economic growth.