The European Union-Zanzibar Business Forum 2025 will take place on February 27, 2025, at the Golden Tulip Airport Hotel in Zanzibar.
The event, organized in collaboration with the European Business Group (EUBG) and the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), aims to deepen investment ties between Zanzibar and the European Union (EU).
Strengthening Zanzibar-European Union Economic Ties
The European Union-Zanzibar Business Forum will bring together over 200 participants, including representatives from European businesses, the Zanzibari government, diplomatic missions, and development partners.
The event is funded by the European Union and is designed to promote collaboration between the EU and Zanzibar across various sectors, including sustainable tourism, renewable energy, ICT, maritime logistics, fisheries, and agriculture.
The forum is expected to foster strategic public-private dialogue and is seen as a pivotal moment to discuss policies aimed at enhancing the investment climate in Zanzibar. H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, the President of Zanzibar, will officially open the event, underscoring the importance of international partnerships for Zanzibar’s economic growth.
Key Objectives of the Forum
The European Union-Zanzibar Business Forum 2025 aims to:
- Facilitate direct dialogue between business leaders, government officials, and stakeholders from both Zanzibar and the EU.
- Provide insights into investment and trade opportunities in key sectors such as tourism, renewable energy, ICT, and maritime logistics.
- Promote a transparent and predictable business environment for European investors and enhance the attractiveness of Zanzibar as a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
- Launch the first-ever “EU Investment in Zanzibar” report, detailing over EUR 1.5 billion in European investments over the past five years.
Ms. Christine Grau, EU Ambassador to Tanzania, emphasized the importance of this strategic engagement: “Strong partnerships and open dialogue between European companies and local stakeholders are key to unlocking new opportunities, creating jobs, and fostering knowledge transfer. This forum is a step towards reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development and strengthening the business climate in Zanzibar.”
Mr. Saleh Saad Mohamed, Executive Director of ZIPA, highlighted: “The EU-Zanzibar Business Forum 2025 offers a valuable opportunity to further advance Zanzibar’s economic agenda by fostering partnerships that drive innovation, job creation, and long-term prosperity for the region.”
Why Zanzibar?
Zanzibar presents a vibrant investment environment, with key advantages including:
- A market of 60 million people, with a growing demand for goods and services.
- Access to a regional market of 1.3 billion people through the East African Community (EAC), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- Duty-free access to the U.S. under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), making it an attractive destination for U.S. investors.
Event Program & Registration Information
📅 Dates: February 27, 2025
📍 Venue: Golden Tulip Airport Hotel, Zanzibar
🔗 Event Website: https://eu-znz.zipaznz.com/
