ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR government is intensifying efforts to create a more conducive investment environment by improving transport infrastructure, expanding ICT services, strengthening electricity supply and implementing reforms that enable the private sector to operate more efficiently.
Isles Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla yesterday said that the initiatives are aimed at enhancing service delivery and boosting the competitiveness of businesses through digital technology.
Speaking during the launch of the Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) digital platform, the Zanzibar Chamber Portal (ZCP), Mr Abdulla said the platform marks a major step in strengthening collaboration between the government and the private sector.
“The government’s goal is to ensure that the private sector embraces technology to improve service delivery and enhance competitiveness in regional and international markets,” he said.
He noted that, in response to rapid technological changes, the government is implementing wideranging digital reforms in policy development, economic management and the business environment to attract more investment and strengthen Zanzibar’s position in the global economy.
Mr Abdulla said the portal will simplify access to key business services, including registration and membership renewal, applications for certificates of origin, submission of business challenges and non-tariff barriers, as well as online tracking of applications.
He added that the platform will also improve communication between the government and businesses by providing reliable data to help authorities respond more effectively to challenges facing the private sector.
The Second Vice-President urged public institutions to work closely with the National Committee for addressing non-tariff barriers and encouraged business operators to use the portal to channel their concerns.
Minister for Communication, Information Technology and Innovation Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga said Zanzibar has established a solid foundation for digital transformation through sustained investment in ICT infrastructure and digital public services.
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He said the reforms are already improving productivity in trade, tourism, health, education, agriculture, fisheries and public service delivery. Mr Soraga added that the government is working towards full interoperability to enable institutions to securely share data, reducing the need for citizens and businesses to submit the same information repeatedly.
He also urged ZNCC to embrace Artificial Intelligence, data analytics and digital innovation to enhance decision-making, improve efficiency and strengthen competitiveness.
Earlier, ZNCC Chairman Ali Amour said the portal will help raise awareness among businesspeople while providing a transparent platform for addressing business challenges.
Representing the private sector, Zanzibar State Trading Corporation Director General Dr Soud Said Ali said digital systems have simplified doing business through greater transparency and easier access to services, while calling for stronger cybersecurity measures and capacity building for ZNCC staff to ensure effective management of the platform.