Zanzibar is set to boost its digital economy with a major investment in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), and innovation. President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has announced that the government aims to connect about 100,000 households to reliable internet services over the next three years through Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH). This move is part of a broader strategy to expand internet connectivity and create new opportunities for economic growth. The President made the remarks at the launch of the Tech and AI Expo Africa Innovate 2026 at Golden Tulip Hotel-Airport.
The President emphasized that technology and innovation present opportunities to improve public services, expand access to education and healthcare, boost productivity, and create new employment opportunities. He noted that advances in technology and AI also present Africa with opportunities to address development challenges and create new economic opportunities. To accelerate digital transformation, the government has established a dedicated Ministry responsible for Communications, Information Technology, and Innovation. This ministry will provide strategic leadership and coordinate digital transformation initiatives.
Zanzibar is strengthening its connectivity through submarine cables and developing data storage and processing facilities. This will increase the island's capacity to provide technology-based services. The President said these investments will provide a foundation for expanding technology-driven businesses and public services. He also emphasized that Africa should not remain merely a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere but should develop the capacity to become a producer of technology, intellectual property, and innovation.
The government is seeking to create an environment that enables innovation and investment, particularly for young people. Minister for Communications, Information Technology, and Innovation, Mr Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, said Zanzibar wants to create an environment in which young people can develop, produce, and sell technology products and services locally and internationally. The government's ambition is for young innovators in Zanzibar to develop solutions capable of competing in international markets.
As part of efforts to nurture young talent, 30 young people will participate in a technology hackathon aimed at developing solutions to challenges facing communities. The expo will also feature technology training programs for young people and innovation competitions involving participants from across Africa. Minister Soraga said the government intends to harness technology, innovation, and AI to strengthen the digital economy and position Zanzibar as a hub connecting ideas, technology, innovation, and investment from Africa and other parts of the world.
Effective use of AI requires strong digital foundations, including reliable communications infrastructure, computing capacity, cybersecurity, skilled professionals, and effective governance systems. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ms Fatma Mabrouk Khamis, said the government would continue building capacity, facilitating knowledge transfer, investing in young people's talents, and supporting innovations developed in Zanzibar to reach regional and international markets.
The government will continue supporting young people to develop their talents and ensuring that innovations developed in Zanzibar can reach regional and international markets. Digital transformation requires more than infrastructure; skills, innovation, and effective governance are also necessary to turn technology into sustainable economic opportunities. The Tech and AI Expo Africa Innovate 2026 aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges in the digital economy.
Key points
- Zanzibar aims to connect 100,000 households to reliable internet services over the next three years.
- The government has established a dedicated Ministry responsible for Communications, Information Technology, and Innovation.
- Zanzibar seeks to become a producer, innovator, and developer of technology solutions rather than merely a technology user.
