Towards Growth of the Blue Economy in Zanzibar: Potentials and Challenges

Abstract

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania located in the Indian Ocean with the 1.6 million inhabitants heavily reliant on the ocean resources for income and livelihoods, which approximately accounts for 30% of GDP and employ about one third of the population, Zanzibar’s wealth is created, not inherited. In 2020, the government formulated a comprehensive road map to formulate a blue economy policy. The economy that combines the economic, social and environmental benefits of the ocean, it is also regarded as an alternative development paradigm. Zanzibar’s poverty reduction and economic growth will be dependent on the long-term management of the country’s natural resources, especially the coastal and marine ecosystems, despite its clear economic importance, the marine ecosystem is seriously degraded due to both human and natural causes; uncontrolled tourism development, rapid population growth and climate change. After several reviews from different sources the blue economy concept is regarded as a way to follow up and it seems to ensure promising life to the people of Zanzibar and the environment of the island at large. However, to achieve all of this, there is need to acquire strong political willingness, commitments, rigorous researches and promoting social awareness.