The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, H.E. Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, is expected to officiate the European Union - Zanzibar Business Forum 2025, a high-level event bringing together representatives from the European Union, Zanzibari government, the private sector, and diplomatic missions.

The forum is being organised in collaboration with the European Business Group (EUBG) and the Government of Zanzibar through the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) and funded by the European Union (EU). The event is scheduled for February 27, 2025, at the Golden Tulip Airport Hotel, Zanzibar. It aims to strengthen investment ties between Zanzibar and European Union stakeholders.

Commenting on the forum, the EU Ambassador to the United Republic of Tanzania and the East African Community, Ms. Christine Grau, encouraged private and public sector stakeholders to use this strategic engagement to foster dialogue and improve the business environment in Zanzibar. “Strong partnerships and open dialogue between European companies and local stakeholders are key in unlocking new opportunities, creating jobs, and fostering knowledge transfer,” said Ambassador Grau. “The upcoming EU-Zanzibar business forum will reinforce our commitment to sustainable development and a stronger, more dynamic investment climate in Zanzibar. We will take the opportunity to also launch our first “EU investment in Zanzibar report, summarising European businesses investments of more than EUR 1.5 billion in Zanzibar in the past 5 years.”

Building on the success of the inaugural forum in June 2022, which attracted over 200 stakeholders, this year’s edition, with 200 participants, will provide a strategic platform for policy dialogue on how to improve the business environment and networking. Under the theme "Strengthening Zanzibar – European Union Partnership -a public-private dialogue" the forum will explore ways to enhance business collaboration and economic growth.

Mr. Saleh Saad Mohamed, Executive Director of the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), stated:

"The EU-Zanzibar Business Forum 2025 presents a unique opportunity to advance our commitment to a thriving, investor-friendly Zanzibar. By fostering direct dialogue between the government and private sector, we aim to create a transparent and predictable business environment that attracts sustainable investments. This engagement with European stakeholders will not only unlock new economic opportunities but also strengthen partnerships that drive innovation, job creation, and long-term prosperity for Zanzibar."

Discussions will focus on sustainable tourism, circular economy, renewable energy, maritime logistics, fisheries and aquaculture, ICT and digitalization, as well as taxation. The event will feature high-level policy dialogues, plenary and parallel panel sessions, where the government and private sector will directly interact on pertinent issues regarding the business environment.

The European Business Group (EUBG) emphasizes the importance of a strong relationship between the Zanzibari government and European Businesses: "A strong and transparent dialogue between the private sector and the authorities is essential for fostering a business-friendly environment. By actively engaging in this forum, EUBG aims to bridge the gap between European businesses and Zanzibar’s leadership, ensuring that investments translate into sustainable growth, innovation, and long-term partnerships," as Marloes Hamelink, Executive Director of the EUBG stresses.

The forum seeks to enhance the investment climate, promote trade and economic cooperation, and establish long-term sustainable partnerships between Zanzibar and European investors. This forum marks a pivotal step in strengthening economic relations.