Mwinyi pledges to cut multiple taxes, expand access to loans
Zanzibar presidential candidate on the ruling CCM ticket, Dr Hussein Mwinyi listening to the challenges of traders at Chakechake market in South Pemba Region as part of his campaign on the island.
Dr Mwinyi, who is also the incumbent President of Zanzibar, said his government will establish a system to ensure that business people pay fewer and simpler taxes.
Pemba. Zanzibar presidential candidate on the ruling CCM ticket, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, has assured businesspeople who have not yet received loans from the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA) that they will benefit if he is re-elected to lead the Isles for a second term.
He also pledged to reduce the burden of multiple taxes so that traders can operate more profitably.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks today, September 24, 2025, while addressing traders at Chake Chake market in Chake Chake District, South Pemba Region, as part of his campaign trail that includes public rallies and meetings with various groups.
“I assure you that those who have not yet received a loan will get one this time. And those who already received and repaid will qualify for larger amounts in the next round because they will have demonstrated their ability to service loans,” he said.
He explained that the government currently offers two types of loans—those from the central government and those channelled through municipal councils—but these have now been consolidated under ZEEA to reach more citizens.
Dr Mwinyi, who is also the incumbent President of Zanzibar, said his government will establish a system to ensure that businesspeople pay fewer and simpler taxes.
“When I say fewer, I mean there should be no endless chains of levies. For example, at the port there should be a single tax, and here at the market there should also be one. These should not be mixed up—just small levies like stall rent and sanitation fees,” he said.
Traders at the market, however, urged him to improve the facility.
Abdallah Bakari Mohammed, one of the Chake Chake market traders, said the market is outdated, having been in use for more than 100 years since it was built.
“When it rains, vegetable traders get drenched. We are asking for the Chake Chake market to be upgraded,” he said.
He added that the market faces numerous challenges, including a shortage of toilets and lack of reliable water supply for daily operations.
