Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has launched the Zanzibar Energy Policy 2025 and the Zanzibar Power Master Plan 2025–2040 to ensure reliable access to electricity and support economic and social development.
Speaking at the launch ceremony held on 11th September 2025, President Mwinyi said that energy is the backbone of Zanzibar’s economic growth and social welfare.
The Eighth-Phase Government aims to build a competitive, green, and inclusive economy by ensuring the availability of clean, affordable, and secure energy.
The policy seeks to lower costs, expand access to reliable electricity, improve efficiency, and reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal, especially for women in economic activities.
The government will continue investing in alternative energy sources, including solar, wind, natural gas, and battery storage systems, alongside strengthening generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.
President Mwinyi commended the Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals, Zanzibar Electricity Corporation, the World Bank, and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) for supporting the preparation of the new policy and plan.
President Mwinyi also instructed authorities to take strong measures against acts of vandalism targeting power infrastructure.
Zanzibar relies heavily on imported electricity through undersea cables from mainland Tanzania.
Efforts to expand generation capacity locally, diversify into renewables, and modernize distribution infrastructure are key to meeting growing demand and ensuring energy security.
