IN a significant milestone for Zanzibar’s infrastructure development, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ) has signed agreements worth $428 million (TSh1.01 trillion) with UK Export Financing (UKEF) for the construction of multiple road networks in Unguja and Pemba.
The loan agreements were signed by UKEF and Tanzania’s Finance and Planning Ministry, represented by Saada Mkuya Salum, Minister of State, President’s Office, Finance and Planning for Zanzibar. The projects will be financed by Citibank London and Deutsche Bank London, with government guarantees provided by the British government through UKEF’s Export Credit Agency.
The Zanzibar road project includes the development of the 48 km Tunguu-Makudunchi Road in Unguja South Region, the 12 km Kisauni-Fumba Road in West Urban Region, and the 43.5 km Mkoani-Chake Chake Pemba Road. The contracts with the contractors were authorised and signed by the Zanzibar government in September 2022 and January 2023.
During the signing ceremony, Salum expressed the significance of obtaining finance for SMZ, stating that it took several years to find partners willing to fund the project since the revolution. She explained that the roads would be expanded to four lanes, with two lanes in each direction, and would include street lighting and pedestrian paths. Salum also highlighted the potential impact of the roadworks on tourism, calling it an unprecedented boom for the industry.
Currently, Pemba Airport serves only 45,000 passengers annually, despite more than 110,000 people visiting the island each year. As part of the project, the airport will undergo a major redesign, enabling it to handle 750,000 passengers per year and accommodate direct international flights. The airport, initially constructed in 1962 with a 500-meter runway and 15-meter width suitable for light aircraft, will undergo significant redevelopment.
The road projects and the redevelopment of Pemba Airport will be carried out by Propav Infrastructure (Propav) and Tanzanian contractors Mwananchi Engineering and Contracting Limited (Mecco). The initiative is seen as a significant victory for the Isles, as it aims to attract foreign investment and enhance its tourism offerings.
The development of these road networks and the expansion of Pemba Airport mark a crucial step in Zanzibar’s infrastructure development and its efforts to boost tourism and attract international visitors.
