The facility is expected to solve critical veterinary diagnostic gaps that deter large-scale livestock investment
Unguja. The construction of a modern animal health research laboratory in Zanzibar is expected to spur investment in the livestock sector by addressing long-standing concerns over veterinary diagnostic services, officials have said.
The container-based laboratory — the first of its kind in East Africa — was established by Germany’s Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI) and is expected to offer internationally accredited diagnostic services. Across Africa, similar facilities exist only in Ghana and Namibia, making Zanzibar’s the third on the continent.
The Sh1.2 billion facility was built by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar through the ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock, in partnership with FLI.
The development was unveiled on January 7 during the launch of the Animal Health Research Laboratory at the Zanzibar Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute (Zaliri), as part of activities marking the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution.
Speaking at the event, deputy minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock Dr Salum Soud Hamed said the laboratory would help unlock investment in livestock by addressing a key concern raised by potential investors.
“Whenever investors wanted to invest in the livestock sector, the first question they asked was about the availability of veterinary treatment services. The establishment of this laboratory will therefore act as a catalyst for investment in the sector,” said Dr Hamed.
Livestock is one of the most important economic sectors, particularly for rural communities, serving as a key source of income and food security.
Dr Hamed said over the past three years the livestock subsector has contributed 12 percent of the agricultural sector’s output, with agriculture accounting for 24.3 percent of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He said the government is pursuing reforms in the livestock sector through the adoption of modern technologies to boost productivity and efficiency, alongside strengthening production infrastructure.
The laboratory, he added, will not only benefit livestock keepers and farmers but also stakeholders in the forestry and wildlife sectors, as wild animals are also affected by diseases that require laboratory-based diagnosis to identify pathogens accurately.
The ministry of Agriculture acknowledged and commended the contribution of the Friedrich Loeffler Institute in supporting the establishment of the facility.
FLI director Prof Dr Sascha Knauf said the state-of-the-art laboratory would serve both human and animal health needs and benefit current and future generations.
Zaliri director general Abdallah Ibrahim Ali said research work often faces numerous challenges, including shortages of equipment and the occupational risks faced by specialists exposed to infectious diseases.
He also cited a shortage of laboratory experts on the islands. However, he said three specialists from the newly launched laboratory have already been sent to Germany for further training and are expected to strengthen local capacity upon their return.
The container-based laboratory is equipped to provide diagnostic services to German and international standards and will be digitally linked to FLI’s main laboratory in Germany through integrated information and communication technology systems.
Project costs stood at Sh1.2 billion, of which Sh450 million was provided by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, while Sh750 million was contributed by FLI.
FLI has also supplied modern laboratory equipment, including two container-based laboratory units, two bio-banks for long-term storage of animal samples, two generators each with a capacity of 15 kilowatts, and a double-cabin vehicle for sample collection.
In addition, the Zanzibar government has completed the construction of microbiology and parasitology laboratories, meat goat research sheds, a conference hall, offices for laboratory staff and sanitation facilities.
Meanwhile, minister of State in the President’s Office (Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance) Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman said the institute was established with a vision of achieving international excellence in research that addresses poverty and food insecurity.
He said the institution aims to contribute to economic growth by advancing agriculture, livestock and forestry sectors through research, innovation and the dissemination of modern technologies to stakeholders.
Mr Suleiman urged those entrusted with managing the laboratory to ensure proper care and long-term use of the infrastructure and equipment.
“It is my hope that this laboratory and its facilities will be well maintained for proper and sustainable use. Those responsible must recognise the value of the funds invested and safeguard all equipment and furnishings to ensure long-term benefits,” he said.
