ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Government has signed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Infinity Developments to restore and upgrade key historical sites within Stone Town, with the investor committing approximately 12 million US dollars (about 30bn/-) in the first phase.
The agreement, signed through the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage and the Ministry of Labour and Investment, will focus on conservation, infrastructure upgrades and improvements to visitor facilities at major landmarks inside the Stone Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sites earmarked for restoration include the Old Fort, High Court Museum, Hamamni Persian Baths, Forodhani Baths, Kidichi Persian Baths and Kizimbani Baths.
Under its Infinity Culture Programme, Infinity Developments will finance the initial phase of works, covering restoration activities, structural improvements and enhancement of the overall visitor experience.
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Speaking during the signing ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, said the partnership reflects the government’s strategy to link heritage conservation with sustainable tourism growth.
He said that safeguarding historical sites is essential for preserving cultural identity while strengthening Zanzibar’s tourism economy.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Investment, Mr Khamis Suleiman Mwalimu, said the agreement demonstrates the government’s commitment to facilitating private sector participation in development initiatives.
For his part, Infinity Developments Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, Mr Samuel Saba, said the investment aims to preserve historic sites while enhancing their cultural and educational value.
The initiative is expected to reinforce heritage conservation as a central component of Zanzibar’s long-term tourism and economic development strategy.