ZANZIBAR, July 14 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — ZANZIBAR government has pledged to continue strengthening investment through consistent policies, streamlined procedures and improved services.
Isles President Hussein Mwinyi made the remarks during the official inauguration of the second phase of the Golden Tulip Airport Hotel in Kiembesamaki area, Urban West Region.
Dr Mwinyi described the project as a clear reflection of the success of his administration’s pro-investment policies. The total investment now stands at 14 million US dollars following an initial investment of 8 million US dollars in the first phase.
“This investment is a vote of confidence in the government’s efforts to build a favourable environment for business and tourism… it aligns with our broader strategy to attract quality investments that contribute to the growth of Zanzibar’s tourism sector,” he said.
The Golden Tulip project was initially registered with the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) on December 31, 2015.
Dr Mwinyi said the successful completion of the second phase marks real progress in implementing strategic goals for the hospitality industry.
He cited ZIPA’s “One Stop Centre” as a key reform that allows investors to complete registration within 24 hours once all conditions are met.
President Mwinyi added that the project supports Zanzibar’s Vision 2050 and the Five-Year Development Plan, both of which prioritise tourism as a key economic driver.
He said the new facility will create jobs for young people, support local businesses and enhance the islands’ image as a regional hub for international meetings and events.
The President also said that public-private partnerships remain crucial and that all investment initiatives must provide direct benefits to Zanzibaris through employment, use of local resources and promotion of sustainable tourism.
He applauded ZIPA for its strong role in advancing the eighth phase government’s agenda to position Zanzibar among Africa’s top investment destinations, encouraging continued efforts to attract impactful projects.
Zanzibar’s Minister of State in the President’s Office (Labour, Economy and Investment), Sharif Ali Sharif, commended President Mwinyi for his leadership and policy guidance, which he said has significantly improved the business environment and attracted both local and international investors.
Speaking at the event, Director General of the Zanzibar Airports Authority (ZAA), Seif Abdallah Juma, noted that the Golden Tulip investor met all criteria for building close to an international airport.
He added that airports are evolving into business centres with services such as shopping malls and announced plans to expand Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA), including the addition of export processing facilities.
Vice-President of Golden Tulip Hotels, Inns & Resorts in Africa, Stéphane Sebah, congratulated President Mwinyi for creating an attractive investment climate and praised Hassan Mohamed Raza, owner of the Golden Tulip Hotel Zanzibar, for his commitment to excellence.
Hassan Mohamed Raza expressed gratitude to the Zanzibar government for its support, noting that the USD 6 million second-phase development features 63 guest rooms, including suites, a state-of-the-art swimming pool and has created 90 jobs, mainly grabbed by Tanzanians.
ZIPA Executive Director Saleh Saad Mohamed described the new hotel phase as a significant milestone in the tourism sector, catering to high-end travellers.
He added that under Dr Mwinyi’s leadership since 2020, ZIPA has registered 485 projects worth 6.1 billion US dollars, creating over 25,000 jobs.
Unguja Urban-West Regional Commissioner Idris Kitwana Mustafa attributed the growing investment momentum to the peace and political stability enjoyed in Zanzibar.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by ministers, deputy ministers, ZIPA officials, regional and district leaders, security force commanders, investors and other invited guests. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
