Zanzibar plans national airline to boost tourism growth    

Zanzibar is considering plans to launch a national airline as it seeks to open direct international routes and support tourism, Minister for Labour and Investment Shariff Ali Shariff said. 

He spoke on April 27 at a briefing ahead of the Zanzibar Investment Summit 2026, which is expected to draw about 500 participants from Tanzania and overseas. 

Shariff said limited direct air links remain a key hurdle, with many visitors forced to connect through other hubs before reaching the islands. 

“Tourists travelling to Zanzibar are often required to connect flights, which is inconvenient and limits our potential,” he said. “That is why you mainly see chartered flights coming into Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro.”

Push for direct international links 

The government is in early talks with potential investors to form a consortium that could establish an airline capable of serving long-haul routes into Zanzibar. 

“For a long time, Zanzibar has needed its own airline to provide direct services. We are now engaging an investor who has shown interest in this project,” Shariff said. 

Officials say improved air access could help the archipelago compete more effectively with other Indian Ocean destinations, while also supporting growth in hospitality and related services.

Investment drive widens beyond tourism 

The proposed airline is part of a broader effort to diversify the economy and attract private capital. The investment summit, organised by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority under the Ministry of Labour and Investment, will highlight projects across several sectors. 

Under the theme “Promoting investment diversification for sustainable development in Zanzibar,” the forum will present opportunities in infrastructure, including plans for rail development, an information and communication technology park and real estate projects. 

“The platform will present bankable projects and expand opportunities for both local and foreign investors,” Shariff said. “Our goal is to support private sector development, create jobs and generate income for our people.” 

Priority areas include high-end tourism projects such as island resorts and a proposed convention centre, as well as industrial expansion anchored by the Dunga Industrial Park. Blue economy projects, including deep-sea fishing and aquaculture, are also expected to feature.

Summit to draw regional attention 

President Hussein Mwinyi is expected to open the event, which will include site visits, exhibitions, panel discussions and a diaspora forum aimed at strengthening international investment ties. 

Shariff said preparations are also under way for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, with authorities working to upgrade key infrastructure ahead of the tournament. 

Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority Executive Director Saleh Mohamed said the agency continues to promote investment, pointing to steady gains in recent years. Zanzibar recorded 135 projects worth about $750 million in 2025, he said. 

Efforts are also continuing under the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority framework to encourage greater participation by local investors and strengthen domestic enterprise.