President Dr. Mwinyi Commends the World Bank for Supporting Zanzibar’s Development Agenda

(President meeting with WB official at state house Zanzibar)

Zanzibar, May 18, 2026 — The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has expressed his deep appreciation to the World Bank for its continued support to Zanzibar through a wide range of development projects that have significantly contributed to economic growth, social progress, and improved living standards for the people of the islands.

President Dr. Mwinyi made these remarks during a meeting held at the State House in Zanzibar with the outgoing World Bank Country Director for Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, Mr. Nathan Belete, who paid a farewell visit upon the completion of his tenure. The meeting also served as an opportunity to introduce the newly appointed World Bank Country Director, Mr. Firas Raad, who will assume responsibility for overseeing the institution’s operations and partnerships within the region.

The meeting underscored the strong and enduring partnership between the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the World Bank, a relationship that has played a pivotal role in supporting the islands’ development aspirations over the years. President Dr. Mwinyi highlighted the importance of international cooperation in accelerating socioeconomic transformation and acknowledged the World Bank as one of Zanzibar’s most valued development partners.

Recognizing a Long-Standing Development Partnership

Speaking during the meeting, President Dr. Mwinyi noted that the collaboration between Zanzibar and the World Bank has produced tangible and measurable achievements across several key sectors, including education, health, infrastructure development, and human capital enhancement. He emphasized that these investments have positively impacted the lives of thousands of Zanzibaris and have strengthened the government’s capacity to deliver essential services to its citizens.

The President observed that development challenges in many emerging economies require strong partnerships between governments and international financial institutions. In this regard, he praised the World Bank for its commitment to supporting Zanzibar’s development priorities through financial assistance, technical expertise, policy guidance, and institutional capacity building.

“The World Bank has been a reliable partner in our development journey. Its support has enabled us to implement critical projects that improve public services, strengthen infrastructure, and create opportunities for economic growth,” President Dr. Mwinyi said.

He further stated that Zanzibar remains committed to ensuring that development projects funded through international partnerships are implemented effectively, transparently, and in a manner that delivers sustainable benefits to the population.

Contributions to the Education Sector

Among the sectors that have greatly benefited from World Bank support is education. President Dr. Mwinyi highlighted various interventions aimed at improving access to quality education, enhancing learning environments, strengthening teacher capacity, and expanding educational infrastructure.

Over the years, World Bank-funded initiatives have supported the construction and rehabilitation of schools, provision of educational materials, and implementation of reforms designed to improve learning outcomes. Such investments have helped address challenges associated with population growth and increasing demand for educational services.

The President emphasized that education remains one of the key pillars of Zanzibar’s long-term development strategy because it equips young people with the knowledge and skills required to participate effectively in the modern economy. He noted that continued investment in education is essential for building a competitive workforce capable of driving innovation and sustainable economic growth.

Advancing Healthcare Services

President Dr. Mwinyi also acknowledged the significant role played by the World Bank in strengthening Zanzibar’s healthcare system. Through various development programs, the institution has supported efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, expand access to essential medical services, enhance disease prevention programs, and strengthen health system management.

The President noted that recent global health challenges have demonstrated the importance of resilient healthcare systems capable of responding effectively to emergencies while maintaining essential health services. He commended the World Bank for supporting initiatives that improve healthcare delivery and contribute to better health outcomes for communities throughout Zanzibar.

He further emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving universal access to quality healthcare and expressed hope that the World Bank would continue to support ongoing efforts to modernize health facilities, improve medical equipment, and strengthen human resources within the health sector.

Infrastructure Development as a Driver of Economic Growth

Infrastructure development featured prominently in the discussions between the President and World Bank representatives. Dr. Mwinyi stressed that modern and reliable infrastructure is fundamental to economic transformation, investment attraction, tourism growth, and improved quality of life.

He recognized the World Bank’s contributions toward improving transportation networks, public facilities, water systems, and other essential infrastructure that support economic activities across the islands. According to the President, investments in infrastructure create opportunities for business expansion, facilitate trade, improve connectivity between communities, and enhance access to public services.

“Quality infrastructure is the foundation upon which sustainable development is built. Roads, ports, utilities, and public facilities are essential for promoting economic activity and improving social welfare,” he remarked.

The President highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to expanding infrastructure development in line with Zanzibar’s Vision 2050 and broader national development objectives.

Investing in Human Capital Development

A key area of collaboration between Zanzibar and the World Bank has been human capital development. President Dr. Mwinyi emphasized that economic progress depends not only on physical infrastructure but also on investments in people.

He noted that World Bank-supported initiatives have contributed to improving education, health, skills development, and institutional capacity, thereby enhancing the productivity and potential of Zanzibar’s workforce. Such investments are critical for empowering young people, reducing poverty, and creating pathways toward sustainable prosperity.

The President reiterated that human capital development remains a central component of Zanzibar’s economic transformation agenda. By equipping citizens with relevant skills and opportunities, the government aims to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth that benefits all segments of society.

Request for Continued Support in Priority Sectors

While acknowledging past achievements, President Dr. Mwinyi emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in addressing emerging development priorities. He specifically requested the World Bank’s support in strengthening key sectors such as healthcare, energy, and road infrastructure.

The President highlighted the growing demand for reliable and affordable energy as Zanzibar continues to expand economically and attract investment. Improved energy infrastructure, he noted, is essential for industrial development, business growth, and enhanced service delivery.

In addition, he emphasized the need for further investments in road infrastructure to improve connectivity across both urban and rural areas. Efficient transportation systems facilitate trade, tourism, access to markets, and the delivery of public services.

President Dr. Mwinyi also referenced the BIG-Z Project, one of the government’s flagship development initiatives aimed at accelerating economic growth and infrastructure modernization. He expressed optimism that continued World Bank support would help advance the successful implementation of this transformative project and other strategic development programs.

Proposal for a World Bank Office in Zanzibar

One of the notable proposals presented by President Dr. Mwinyi during the meeting was the establishment of a World Bank office in Zanzibar. He explained that having a permanent presence on the islands would strengthen coordination, improve communication, and enhance the efficiency of project implementation.

According to the President, a local office would facilitate closer engagement between World Bank specialists and government institutions, enabling faster decision-making and more effective monitoring of development initiatives. Such an arrangement would also provide greater opportunities for technical support and knowledge sharing.

“Opening a World Bank office in Zanzibar would further strengthen our partnership and facilitate the implementation of development projects that directly benefit our people,” he stated.

The proposal reflects Zanzibar’s desire to deepen its engagement with international development partners while ensuring that collaborative initiatives are responsive to local needs and priorities.

Appreciation for Mr. Nathan Belete’s Leadership

President Dr. Mwinyi took the opportunity to commend Mr. Nathan Belete for his leadership and dedication during his tenure as World Bank Country Director. He acknowledged the positive working relationship that had been established between the World Bank and Zanzibar under Mr. Belete’s stewardship and expressed gratitude for his contributions to advancing development cooperation.

The President wished him success in his future endeavors and recognized the valuable role he played in strengthening partnerships that have generated meaningful development outcomes across the region.

Mr. Belete’s tenure was characterized by continued support for development initiatives focused on poverty reduction, institutional strengthening, economic resilience, and social inclusion. His engagement with government stakeholders helped promote effective collaboration in implementing projects designed to improve livelihoods and foster sustainable development.

Welcoming the New Country Director

During the meeting, President Dr. Mwinyi also welcomed Mr. Firas Raad as the new World Bank Country Director for Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. He expressed confidence that the strong partnership between Zanzibar and the World Bank would continue under Mr. Raad’s leadership.

The President reaffirmed Zanzibar’s commitment to maintaining productive engagement with development partners and working collaboratively to address development challenges while pursuing shared goals of prosperity, inclusion, and sustainability.

Mr. Raad’s appointment comes at a time when many countries in the region are focusing on accelerating economic recovery, strengthening resilience to global challenges, and advancing sustainable development objectives. His leadership is expected to support ongoing efforts to expand the World Bank’s impact across the region.

World Bank Reaffirms Commitment to Zanzibar

In his remarks, outgoing Country Director Mr. Nathan Belete reassured President Dr. Mwinyi that the World Bank remains committed to supporting Zanzibar’s development agenda. He emphasized that the institution values its partnership with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and looks forward to continuing cooperation in implementing projects that promote economic and social progress.

Mr. Belete acknowledged the government’s commitment to development and praised ongoing efforts to improve public services, strengthen governance, and create opportunities for citizens. He expressed confidence that future collaboration would continue to generate positive outcomes for Zanzibar’s people.

The assurance reflects the World Bank’s broader mission of supporting countries in reducing poverty, promoting shared prosperity, and building resilient and inclusive economies.

Looking Ahead

The meeting between President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi and World Bank representatives highlighted the strength of a partnership that has become increasingly important in Zanzibar’s development journey. From education and healthcare to infrastructure and human capital development, World Bank-supported initiatives have played a significant role in advancing socioeconomic progress across the islands.

As Zanzibar continues to pursue ambitious development goals, the government views international cooperation as a vital component of its strategy for achieving sustainable growth and improving the quality of life of its citizens. The President’s call for continued support in healthcare, energy, road infrastructure, and the BIG-Z Project demonstrates a forward-looking approach focused on addressing current needs while preparing for future opportunities.

With the transition in World Bank leadership and renewed commitments from both sides, the future of Zanzibar–World Bank cooperation appears promising. The partnership is expected to continue contributing to transformative development initiatives that strengthen institutions, expand economic opportunities, and improve the well-being of communities throughout Zanzibar for years to come.