Speaking at the ceremony, Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Chairman, Mr Ali Amour Suleiman, emphasised that inclusive trade not only drives growth but also empowers local entrepreneurs and communities, fostering long-term socio-economic stability.
“Inclusive trade is not just a policy goal; it ensures that all stakeholders, from smallholder farmers to medium and large enterprises, benefit from economic activities,” he said.
Mr Suleiman highlighted the growing participation of women in business and the rise of locally manufactured goods as signs of a strengthening economy.
“More women are joining the business sector, and the ‘Made in Zanzibar’ label shows our economy is growing,” he said.
He added that the trade fair provides opportunities for investment and trade, enabling enterprises to scale from micro to small, and from domestic to international markets.
Furthermore, he also acknowledged challenges facing small and medium enterprises, including limited access to capital, inefficient registration processes, weak collective production, and gaps in exporting value-added products.
“The revolution was about freedom, equality, and progress. These values continue to guide efforts to build a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic future for all Zanzibaris,” he said.
Zanzibar’s Second Vice President Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, who officiated the opening, said the business sector remains stable, contributing to a decline in inflation from 6.9 percent in 2023 to 4 percent last year.
“The Revolutionary Government continues to create a conducive environment for trade and investment. Platforms like this are important for promoting business and locally produced goods,” he said, urging institutions to strengthen systems to attract more investors.
He added that the stability in the business and industrial sector has encouraged the expansion of industries and commercial activities, laying the foundation for sustained growth.
Isles’ Ministry of Industry and Trade Development Permanent Secretary, Dr Habiba Hassan Omar, noted that the fair continues to grow successfully, with participation increasing each year.
“Of the total participants, Zanzibar accounts for 246, Mainland Tanzania 61, and nine institutions from Uganda, Brazil, Congo, Zambia, Burundi, and Mozambique,” she said.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Union Ministry of Industry and Trade, Dr Seleman Serera, said both governments are committed to improving the business environment and encouraged entrepreneurs to exploit investment opportunities and expand trade across both regions.
Zanzibar’s Minister of Communications, Information and Innovation, Mr Mudrick Ramadhan Soraga, called on organisers to raise the trade fair to international standards.
Unique Touch Director, Edwin Robert Geo, added that their responsibility is to enhance Zanzibar’s global profile by ensuring the fair reaches international levels.
The 12th Zanzibar International Trade Fair carries the theme: “Fostering Inclusive Growth through Trade and Innovation.”
Since its launch in 2014, participation has grown from 109 in the first edition to 316 this year.
