Zanzibar President Mwinyi highlights economic gains as he addresses House of Representatives
President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, poses for a group photo with members of the House of Representatives and other retired leaders after delivering his address to the House at Chukwani, Zanzibar.
What you need to know:
Delivering his address to the House on Monday, June 23, 2025, Dr Mwinyi stated the dissolution would allow for preparations ahead of the October general election. He made the declaration under Article 91 (2) (a) of the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution.
Unguja. Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has highlighted key development and economic achievements attained during his first five-year term, crediting major investments for the notable improvements.
He also announced that the 10th House of Representatives will be officially dissolved on August 13, 2025.
Delivering his address to the House on Monday, June 23, 2025, Dr Mwinyi stated the dissolution would allow for preparations ahead of the October general election. He made the declaration under Article 91 (2) (a) of the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution.
Following the announcement, members of the House erupted in celebration, chanting songs of support.
Economic performance
Dr Mwinyi said Zanzibar’s economy has strengthened significantly, recording 7.1 percent growth by 2024. The GDP rose from Sh4.78 trillion in 2021 to Sh6.57 trillion in 2024, a 63 percent increase. Per capita income grew to Sh3.22 million ($1,395) in 2024, up from Sh2.52 million ($1,099) in 2020.
Government revenue increased from Sh856 billion in FY2020/21 to Sh2.104 trillion in FY2023/24. The national budget also rose to Sh5.182 trillion for FY2024/25, up from Sh1.579 trillion in FY2020/21. Development expenditure surged by 436 percent over the same period.
Investment and industrialisation
He said 485 investment projects valued at $6.2 billion have been registered by Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (Zipa), expected to create over 25,470 jobs. Twenty-four new factories have been established across various sectors including pharmaceuticals, textiles, food processing, construction materials, and cosmetics.
Citizen empowerment and infrastructure
The President noted that over Sh39.4 billion in microloans has been disbursed to over 25,700 beneficiaries, including marginalised groups. Key markets have been built in Mwanakwerekwe and Jumbi.
In Dunga Zuze’s special industrial zone, factories for plastic, textiles, steel, and other goods are under construction. Road projects have delivered 80.25km of urban tarmac and concrete roads and 275.9km of rural roads are 71 percent complete.
Blue economy and tourism
Tourism grew significantly with visitor numbers rising from 394,185 in 2021 to 736,755 in 2024, an 86.9 percent increase. Over 1,000 boats were distributed to support seaweed farming and artisanal fishing, benefitting 32,000 people, 70 percent of them youth and 90 percent of seaweed beneficiaries are women.
Utilities and Social Services
Electricity access has improved with 138,065 new connections and 231 villages electrified. Irrigation land expanded from 810 to 2,164 hectares, with rice output targeted at 15 tonnes per hectare. Water projects have delivered 15 tanks and 64 boreholes, with 466.9km of new pipes laid.
In education, Form II pass rates rose from 76.8 percent (2020) to 84.4 percent (2024), while Form IV results improved from 56.1 percent to 85.7 percent. Ten modern district hospitals and one regional hospital have been built.
Elections and governance
Dr Mwinyi affirmed that both the Union and Zanzibar electoral commissions (NEC and ZEC) are progressing with election preparations in accordance with the law.
Speaker Zubeir Ali Mulid thanked members for their cooperation, while Industry Minister Omar Said Shaaban noted visible growth in trade and manufacturing.
Mfenesini Representative Machano Othman praised Dr Mwinyi’s impact, stating: “In my time in this House, I have never witnessed so much progress within five years.”
