Summary
Bilateral trade between Tanzania and India rose to US$9.02 billion during the 2025/26 financial year, up from US$8.64 billion in the previous year, reflecting the growing strength of commercial ties between the two countries.
By Our Correspondent/ NEW DELHI
ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has reaffirmed India’s position as one of Zanzibar’s most important strategic development partners, calling for expanded cooperation in education, healthcare, the blue economy, technology, trade and investment.
Speaking during talks with India’s Vice President Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan at the Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi, Dr Mwinyi said the long-standing friendship between Tanzania and India has evolved into a strong partnership that continues to drive economic growth and improve the livelihoods of citizens.
The meeting formed part of Dr Mwinyi’s four-day official visit to India, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and attracting greater investment to Zanzibar.
The President commended India for its continued support in Zanzibar’s socio-economic transformation, citing successful collaboration in education, healthcare, water infrastructure, digital technology and public sector development.
“The relationship between Tanzania and India continues to flourish through strong political, diplomatic, economic and social cooperation, with numerous joint initiatives delivering tangible benefits to our people,”Dr Mwinyi said.
He noted that bilateral trade between Tanzania and India rose to US$9.02 billion during the 2025/26 financial year, up from US$8.64 billion in the previous year, reflecting the growing strength of commercial ties between the two countries.
Dr Mwinyi also highlighted India’s role as one of Tanzania’s leading foreign investors, with cumulative investments estimated at US$4.08 billion, saying the figures demonstrate enormous potential for further economic cooperation.
He invited Indian businesses to seize emerging investment opportunities in Zanzibar, particularly in sectors identified as key drivers of economic growth.
Among the government’s flagship initiatives, Dr Mwinyi unveiled Zanzibar’s ambition to establish a world-class university campus that will position the islands as a regional hub for higher education, innovation and scientific research.
He said the institution is expected to expand academic programmes, promote cutting-edge research, strengthen technological innovation and provide professional training for students and experts from across Africa.
“Our vision is to create an internationally recognised centre of excellence where students, researchers and professionals can access quality education and advanced skills without having to travel overseas,” he said.
The President also underscored the vast investment opportunities available under Zanzibar’s Blue Economy agenda, describing the sector as a cornerstone of the government’s long-term development strategy.
He identified priority areas including deep-sea fishing, marine resource processing, seaweed value addition, maritime transport, tourism, port development and offshore oil and gas exploration.
Dr Mwinyi encouraged Indian investors to partner with Zanzibar in expanding marine industries and developing value chains that would create employment, increase exports and improve incomes for local communities.
He further noted that tourism remains the backbone of Zanzibar’s economy, contributing about 30 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while generating employment, foreign exchange earnings and growth across related sectors.
The President also praised the growing cooperation between Zanzibar and India in healthcare, skills development, digital transformation and government modernisation through technology-driven public service delivery.
He extended an invitation to Vice President Radhakrishnan to visit Zanzibar and witness first-hand the development progress being achieved under the government’s reform agenda while exploring new avenues for bilateral cooperation.
In response, Vice President Radhakrishnan congratulated Dr Mwinyi on his re-election for a second term and commended the significant socio-economic progress recorded under his leadership.
He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening its historic partnership with Tanzania, pledging continued support in education, healthcare, renewable energy, water, digital innovation and capacity building.
Radhakrishnan said Dr Mwinyi’s visit marks a new chapter in India-Tanzania relations and is expected to unlock fresh opportunities for investment, technology transfer and sustainable development.
He further pledged India’s continued support for collaborative projects, including solar energy development, digital public services, executive leadership training and investments that promote inclusive economic growth.
As part of the visit, President Mwinyi, accompanied by First Lady Mariam Mwinyi, paid tribute to India’s founding leader Mahatma Gandhi by laying a wreath at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat in New Delhi.
Dr Mwinyi’s official visit, which began on July 17, 2026, in Chennai before continuing to New Delhi, has included high-level meetings with senior Indian government officials, participation in the 63rd Convocation Ceremony of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), and visits to leading research and innovation institutions aimed at expanding strategic cooperation between Zanzibar, Tanzania and India.
