ZANZIBAR: THE Presidents Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, are expected to officiate at the 2026 Kizimkazi Festival scheduled for next month in South Unguja Region.
Speaking to journalists here yesterday the festival’s Organising Committee Chairperson, Mahfoudh Said Omar, said this year’s celebrations will begin on August 11 with a special prayer session for national leaders.
The ninth edition of the festival will be officially launched on August 12 at the Kizimkazi-Dimbani grounds, where President Mwinyi is expected to officiate as the guest of honour.
“August 13 will be dedicated to development activities, during which six projects will be inaugurated, while foundation stones will be laid for three others,” Omar said.
He said the festival, which began under the name Samia Day, has registered notable achievements, including empowering youth and women to seize economic opportunities.
According to him, this year’s festival, themed ‘Unity and Solidarity are Our Shield: Kizimkazi at its Best,’ will feature a range of entertainment activities alongside public awareness programmes.
The festival will conclude on August 14 at Mwehe grounds in Makunduchi, South Unguja Region, with President Samia expected to grace the closing ceremony.
“We invite Tanzanians from the Mainland and Zanzibar, development partners, investors and visitors from abroad to join us in making this year’s festival a success,” Omar said.
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The committee’s Secretary, Hamid Abdulhamid Khamis, said the festival serves as a platform for promoting economic opportunities, tourism, social cohesion and community unity, adding that residents of Kizimkazi remain committed to sustaining the annual event.
Treasurer Asha Mohammed Mkadam appealed to sponsors to continue supporting the festival as they have done in previous years.
The Kizimkazi Festival, formerly known as Samia Day, was established as a community-led initiative to promote development, preserve cultural heritage and boost tourism in the Kizimkazi area.
Over the years, it has grown into a major annual event that brings together leaders, residents, investors and visitors, while providing a platform to showcase local culture and accelerate socioeconomic development in southern Unguja.