THERE was a palpable sense of joy and renewed optimism across Micheweni District as residents of Pemba celebrated a milestone that many, thought would take decades to arrive.

With the launch of the Zanzibar Investment Summit 2025, held for the first time on Pemba Island, a long-held dream to open Pemba to the world of business, opportunity and sustainable growth is finally taking shape.

“President Mwinyi has helped us get connected to the world,” said Omar Masoud Omar, a local tour operator. “Already, serious investors are showing interest to invest in Pemba.”

His sentiment reflects a growing chorus of voices expressing appreciation for the renewed national attention on this historically underserved but stunningly rich part of Zanzibar.

The summit brought together a vibrant mix of local entrepreneurs, regional business leaders, government officials, and international investors, each united by a shared vision: ‘to unlock Pemba’s potential as the new frontier for sustainable investment.’

The summit was officially inaugurated by President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who delivered a powerful keynote address. “We gather here on the majestic island of Pemba, a land of unparalleled natural beauty, boundless potential, and resilient spirit,” he said.

“This summit signifies a new chapter, a bold vision where Pemba emerges as a vital engine of Zanzibar’s growth and prosperity.”

For decades, Pemba was often regarded as the ‘forgotten sister’ in the Zanzibar archipelago, celebrated for its beauty but underserved in infrastructure and economic development. That narrative is changing.

In his speech, President Mwinyi underscored a series of reforms and initiatives launched by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) to ease the path for investors.

These include the launch of the ZIPA Strategic Plan 2025–2030, a revamped investment magazine, the Annual Investment Report for accountability, and a second phase of the e-Investment Window-measures that aim to make investing in Zanzibar, particularly in Pemba, more seamless and transparent.

“We are committed to creating an enabling environment where investments are not only profitable but impactful,” Mwinyi emphasised. “Our vision is to uplift every citizen while preserving our heritage and protecting our natural environment.” The theme of empowerment ran strongly through the event. “To the people of Pemba: this is your moment,” declared Sharif Ali Sharif, Minister of State, President’s Office for Labour, Economy and Investment.

He said “Let us work together to ensure that investment uplifts communities, respects our culture, and preserves the beauty of our island for future generations.”

Among those who have already felt the ripple effects of this renewed investment drive is Ms Saada Juma Khamis, a seaweed farmer in Micheweni. “We thank Dr Mwinyi for his personal initiatives to transform Pemba,” she said adding.

“We expect, as promised by the Government, that the seaweed processing factory will be ready soon. This may help boost the buying price for farmers who have long benefited little from seaweed.”

The summit’s vision is not focused on quick gains or flash-in-the-pan projects. Instead, it calls for long-term, impact-driven partnerships, especially in sectors where Pemba has a competitive edge: Agro-processing, eco-tourism, renewable energy, fisheries, and blue economy ventures.

To further drive interest in underdeveloped regions like Pemba, the Government has introduced a Strategic Investment Status for projects that meet specific benchmarks. These include:-A minimum investment of USD 5 million, with 30 per cent equity participation; Or USD 2 million with at least 100 direct jobs for Tanzanians in non-hotel sectors; and special incentives for investments located in small islands, as per Act No. 10 of 2023.

These measures are designed to attract not only capital but investments that generate jobs and support the community. “We are not looking for short-term wins,” said Minister Sharif. “We are building long-term partnerships with the private sector grounded in trust, transparency, and shared prosperity.”

But the summit was more than keynote speeches and investment pledges. ZIPA Executive Director Mr Saleh Saad Mohamed highlighted a set of inclusive activities organised alongside the event.

A Walkathon for Investment Awareness, free medical camps, entrepreneurship exhibitions, and strategic site visits to show investors the untapped promise of Pemba up close. “These initiatives reflect our belief that true development must improve the well-being of our people, physically, socially, and economically,” he said.

For locals, the summit was about more than economics, it was a validation of identity and potential long overlooked. “We used to feel left out,” said Ms Raya Kombo Masoud, a young Woman entrepreneur showcasing her handmade coconut oil at the summit exhibition. “Now the world is finally watching us. We feel proud.”

With over 400 million potential consumers across the East African market, improved air and sea connectivity, and growing government support, Pemba is positioning itself as a gateway to East Africa’s next investment frontier.

As the summit concluded, the message was clear: the time to invest in Pemba is now. And the people of Pemba, long resilient, are ready. President Mwinyi’s words echoed in the minds of attendees: “Let this summit be the spark that ignites a brighter, more prosperous future for Zanzibar and for generations to come.”

For now, the spark has been lit. What follows will depend on sustained commitment, visionary partnerships, and the will of the people of Pemba to shape their own future. And from the joy and energy witnessed at Micheweni, they are more than ready.