Blue Economy

The blue economy concept is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem. In the African perspective, it covers both aquatic and marine spaces, including oceans, seas, coasts, lakes, rivers, and underground waters.

Like many island nations in the world, Zanzibar predominantly depends on sea, coastal, and marine resources for socio-economic development. The Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 considers the blue economy as a catalyst that will transform Zanzibar’s economy into an Upper Middle-Class Economy by 2050.

Zanzibar has a limited landmass of 2,461 square kilometers but has potential for unlimited investment opportunities in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) of 223,000 square kilometers. Zanzibar’s land size is 1/91th of the EEZ.

The blue economy priorities for Zanzibar include:

1. Fisheries and Aquaculture
2. Tourism
3. Maritime trade and infrastructure
4. Energy (oil, gas, and renewable energy)
5. Blue Economy Governance