CCM presidential candidate in Zanzibar Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has pledged to dramatically strengthen Zanzibar’s business environment and streamline bureaucratic procedures to ensure entrepreneurs, especially youth and women, can easily access interest-free loans and market opportunities.

Dr Mwinyi emphasized that his government views entrepreneurship as key driver of economic growth and job creation across the islands.

Speaking during a meeting with entrepreneurs at the Sheikh Idrissa Abdulwakil Hall in Kikwajuni yesterday, D. Mwinyi affirmed his administration’s commitment to developing the private sector, which he described as the backbone of Zanzibar’s economy.

"Entrepreneurship is the engine of development. My government will continue to implement policies that promote a conducive business climate, reliable infrastructure, and access to affordable capital to ensure entrepreneurs thrive," he said.

He acknowledged that while his first five-year term saw progress in supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through capacity-building and microfinance initiatives, bureaucratic red tape had unfortunately blocked many small entrepreneurs from accessing vital government support and loans.

"To address these challenges, we will streamline systems to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure that entrepreneurs—especially youth and women—receive interest-free loans and business capital directly where they are," he said.

Dr Mwinyi noted that 90bn/- was allocated for entrepreneurial programs during his first term, but implementation hurdles limited the full impact. Moving forward, he promised to restructure the financing system and introduce mechanisms to help entrepreneurs find reliable markets.

A key focus of the next administration, Dr Mwinyi said, will be connecting local producers directly to the lucrative tourism industry.

"We will connect local producers to hotels and tourist establishments. But to seize these opportunities, your products must meet quality standards and be packaged professionally," he advised, urging entrepreneurs to embrace innovation and modern technology to compete regionally and globally in strategic sectors like agro-processing, handicrafts, and manufacturing.

Participants at the meeting praised Dr Mwinyi for his government’s tangible efforts, including training programs, the construction of modern markets, and the establishment of micro-loan schemes. Maulid Makame, a local producer of traditional goods, commended the administration for its "tangible assistance."

Despite the commendation, participants highlighted persistent challenges. Artisan Zeyana noted a significant gap between training and actual practice. "We are trained but not fully equipped," he said, explaining that many youth lack the tools and physical workspaces needed to implement their skills.

Another entrepreneur, Mariyam Abdallah Hemed, pointed out that the construction of new market spaces is offset by high rental fees and levies, which continue to burden small traders. "Many of us still operate from home because market fees are expensive. Without proper business premises, it’s hard to meet quality certification standards for our products," she explained.

The meeting concluded with a call for more inclusive policies, stronger public-private partnerships, and the establishment of dedicated industrial zones for small enterprises. Dr Mwinyi reaffirmed his commitment to placing small entrepreneurs at the center of Zanzibar’s industrial transformation.

“Our goal is to ensure that every hardworking youth and woman with a dream can turn it into a business reality. Together, we will build a prosperous Zanzibar,” he concluded.