ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has called for the effective utilisation of economic diplomacy to promote Zanzibar internationally, citing the Isles’ vast economic potential, particularly in the Blue Economy and investment sectors.
President Mwinyi made the call during a meeting held at State House, Zanzibar, with Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation (Foreign Affairs), Dr Ng’waru Jumanne Maghembe and Deputy Minister responsible for East African Affairs, Mr James Kinyasi Millya, who paid him a courtesy call to formally introduce themselves.
He said that although foreign affairs are a Union matter, there is a need to further strengthen cooperation between the Union government and Zanzibar government to ensure the Isles fully benefit from the implementation of Economic Diplomacy and available global opportunities.
Dr Mwinyi stressed the importance of giving Zanzibar special focus in engagements with international and regional organisations, particularly in accessing grants and loans, as well as in promoting the Isles’ tourism attractions and investment opportunities.
The President expressed satisfaction with the existing cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation and Zanzibar government and called for the continued strengthening of collaboration in the interest of all Tanzanians, including Zanzibar residents.
Meanwhile, President Mwinyi has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening arts, culture and heritage as a strategic pillar for tourism growth, youth employment and global cultural diplomacy. He said Zanzibar’s rich Swahili identity is a valuable economic and social asset that must be preserved, promoted and passed on to future generations.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf by the Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Ms Riziki Pembe Juma, at the opening of the 30th Zanzibar Cultural Festival held in Ghana Village Ward, Central Unguja.
The President said the government is determined to intensify efforts to preserve and promote Swahili heritage, history, arts and Zanzibari culture in order to attract researchers, students and cultural tourists from across the globe.
As part of implementing this vision, Dr Mwinyi announced that the government will construct two cultural and arts development centres in strategic locations in Unguja and Pemba.
He said the centres will serve as hubs for cultural learning and exchange, enabling visitors to study Zanzibari history, traditional cuisine, attire and lifestyle. Dr Mwinyi further said the government will continue organizing international cultural events, including food and fashion festivals, as part of broader efforts to market Zanzibar globally and diversify tourism beyond beach tourism.
“It is encouraging and a source of great pride to see visitors, students and researchers from different countries coming to Zanzibar not only to learn Kiswahili, but also to experience our culture in its many dimensions,” said Dr Mwinyi.
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“They come to learn our traditional cuisines, clothing, decorations, music, dances and our way of life, which is founded on values of humanity, hospitality and respect.” According to the President, the growing global interest in Zanzibar’s culture demonstrates that culture is a vital economic resource that contributes directly to tourism growth and national revenue.
He described the Zanzibar Cultural Festival as an important national platform that brings Zanzibaris together to reflect on their identity, appreciate their history and shape their future direction.
Through the festival, he said, citizens are given an opportunity to reconnect with the foundations of their culture across various aspects of life. Dr Mwinyi stressed that it is the responsibility of all Zanzibaris to preserve and pass on cultural values to younger generations, not only through words but through active participation in social and cultural activities.
“Young people must be guided wisely and actively involved so that they inherit and uphold the foundations of our identity as a Zanzibari nation,” he said.
The President noted that the broader objective of the festival is to promote, affirm and disseminate Zanzibari culture both locally and internationally, positioning Zanzibar as a global cultural destination.
“The more we honour, develop and showcase our culture, the more Zanzibar’s name and status continue to rise on the global map,” he said, adding that visitors from different countries are increasingly drawn to Zanzibar to learn its language, cuisine, music and philosophy of life.
Dr Mwinyi expressed confidence that just as Kiswahili has gained global recognition, including the designation of an international day to celebrate it, Zanzibari culture will also, in the coming years, be celebrated at a much higher global level.
He added that arts and cultural heritage are creating employment, self-employment and business opportunities for young people, particularly in creative industries, entrepreneurship and access to international markets.