The policy aims to guarantee affordable and reliable energy for all citizens, strengthen energy security through domestic sources, and ensure diverse energy distribution
Unguja. Zanzibar President, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, highlighted that the newly launched energy policy will encourage investment in research, technology, and innovation in clean energy, efficient usage, and modern technologies that reduce costs and enhance efficiency.
Dr Mwinyi made the statement on Thursday, September 11, 2025, during the policy launch held in Unguja.
He said the policy promotes the use of clean cooking energy to reduce smoke and harmful chemicals from firewood, charcoal, and other polluting fuels, lowering respiratory illnesses and other health risks.
“The government is committed to building a competitive, green, and inclusive Zanzibar, ensuring reliable energy continues to improve nationally, as this sector drives industrial development, tourism, modern agriculture, information technology, and citizens’ daily lives,” he said.
Dr Mwinyi added that the policy will particularly benefit women, who are often responsible for cooking, as access to clean energy frees time for other economic and social activities.
According to him, the policy aims to guarantee affordable and reliable energy for all citizens, strengthen energy security through domestic sources, and ensure diverse energy distribution.
It also seeks to promote environmentally friendly energy by supporting solar, wind, biofuel, and nuclear production, and by engaging the private sector through investment and partnerships.
Regarding Zanzibar’s 2025/2050 master electricity plan, he said it has been prepared for the first time to forecast the island’s electricity demand up to 2050.
The plan will provide information on electricity needs in Unguja and Pemba until 2050.
“Based on this framework, major energy projects will be developed, including solar, wind, gas-powered plants, and energy storage systems using battery technology,” he said.
He added that the policy and master plan aim to expand electricity access, particularly in rural areas and regions lacking a reliable supply.
He stressed the use of clean energy sources such as solar and wind, and the development of electricity infrastructure, including generation plants, distribution networks, and storage systems.
Additionally, he said the plan seeks to strengthen energy sector management and regulation, ensuring efficiency and transparency in operations, while contributing to a blue economy through sustainable energy and environmental protection.
Other goals include raising public awareness on the importance of clean energy and fostering public-private collaboration to attract investors through business-friendly and environmentally sustainable policies.
He said these measures are expected to improve citizens’ lives, boost economic growth, protect the environment, and ultimately help Zanzibar achieve a high middle-income economy by 2050.
Dr Mwinyi called on all leaders and institutions involved in policy implementation to cooperate with the Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals to achieve the policy’s objectives and strengthen sustainable development.
The President also commended development partners, including the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the World Bank (WB), and other regional and international partners, for supporting various sector initiatives.
Earlier, the Ministry’s Secretary-General, Joseph Kilangi, said the policy aims to provide Zanzibar with reliable, sustainable, and safe energy services to support economic and social development.
Mr Kilangi noted that the policy prioritises resilient energy infrastructure capable of withstanding climate change, alongside emergency strategies to maintain a continuous supply.
World Bank Senior Energy Specialist, Dr Rhonda Jordan Antoine, said the bank is a close partner of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
She said the bank supports a strategy valued at nearly $400 million (Sh997.2 billion), implemented across urban development, energy, education, tourism, and resilience initiatives.
