By Business Insider Reporter, Zanzibar
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has praised the Government of India for its continued development support, describing the partnership as “transformative” and instrumental to the islands’ economic and social progress.
Dr. Mwinyi made the remarks at State House in Zanzibar today during a meeting with India’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Bishwadip Dey, who delivered a special congratulatory message following the President’s re-election on 29 October 2025.
A growing strategic partnership
Relations between Zanzibar and India have strengthened considerably in recent years, driven by India’s expanding development diplomacy and its strategic re-engagement with the Western Indian Ocean.
India has become a key development partner in East Africa, offering concessional loans, technical cooperation, institutional support and capacity-building programmes.
In Zanzibar, India’s support has touched several core sectors. Major infrastructure projects, including the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project, have helped address persistent water shortages in urban districts.
The government has also benefited from India’s assistance in modernising health facilities and expanding medical training, while ICT capacity has been bolstered through the establishment of IIT Madras Zanzibar, India’s first overseas Indian Institute of Technology campus.
Training programmes, scholarships, technology partnerships and support for public-sector modernisation have further contributed to the islands’ development momentum.
These initiatives align closely with President Mwinyi’s national priorities, especially the expansion of the blue economy, increased investment in tourism and the shift towards digital governance and service delivery.
Expanding the partnership further
Dr. Mwinyi said the government is eager to build on this cooperation, noting that India’s support has already delivered tangible improvements in development outcomes.
He emphasised that Zanzibar places high value on the relationship and is committed to expanding collaboration in trade, education, healthcare and technology. The President also highlighted new opportunities for Indian investors in areas such as tourism, hospitality, fisheries, marine transport, seaweed processing and ICT – sectors which form the backbone of Zanzibar’s economic transformation agenda.
India reaffirms its support
High Commissioner Dey congratulated Dr. Mwinyi on his electoral victory and commended the progress made under his leadership. He said India remains committed to strengthening its partnership with Zanzibar and will continue increasing support through development financing, expanded training opportunities for young Zanzibaris and cooperation in digital innovation.
India’s growing engagement with Zanzibar also carries regional strategic weight. Located along key Indian Ocean maritime routes, Zanzibar has attracted significant interest from global powers, including China, Gulf nations and the European Union.
India’s active involvement in the archipelago reflects its broader ambition to deepen its presence in the region while supporting locally driven development.
Looking ahead
As Zanzibar accelerates its economic reforms – anchored in tourism expansion, blue economy investments and technological innovation – the role of India as a development and strategic partner is expected to grow even further. The latest reaffirmation of bilateral cooperation underscores both countries’ commitment to deepening their enduring relationship and positions Zanzibar as a rising hub for innovation and maritime economic activity in the Western Indian Ocean.
