When the winners of the 2025 East African Community (EAC) Quality Awards were unveiled in Nairobi on 10 November 2025, one name carried the pride of an entire island: Zanlink Limited. The long-standing Internet Service Provider emerged as First Runner-Up in the highly competitive Service of the Year – Private Sector (SME) category, marking the first time in the award’s history that a company from Zanzibar reached this level of recognition.

For Zanzibar a rapidly growing digital economy, this achievement is more than a corporate accomplishment. It is a milestone that elevates the region’s visibility within East Africa’s business landscape.

The EAC Quality Awards recognise organisations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to quality management, innovation, customer satisfaction, and adherence to internationally aligned standards. Companies across all six EAC partner states undergo a rigorous evaluation, placing Zanlink’s performance among the best in the region. Achieving such recognition not only cements the company’s reputation but also reflects positively on Zanzibar’s growing competitiveness.

A First for Zanzibar-and a Turning Point

The Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS) described the achievement as historic, noting that no other Zanzibar-based company has previously advanced this far in the awards’ service categories. To commemorate the milestone, ZBS held a press conference at its Maruhubi offices, officially presenting Zanlink with its certificate and praising the company for its long-term investment in quality, customer service, and operational discipline.

ZBS further noted that the achievement aligns with national efforts to encourage standards compliance, enhance service delivery, and strengthen Zanzibar’s overall competitiveness within the East African Community. The recognition also comes at an important moment, following the establishment of a dedicated Ministry responsible for ICT in Zanzibar, an institutional development that signals the government’s commitment to expanding broadband access, strengthening digital systems, and accelerating e-government initiatives.

A 25-Year Journey Anchored in Reliability and Service Excellence

Founded in 2000, Zanlink has grown from a pioneering local ISP into one of Zanzibar’s most trusted providers of internet connectivity and ICT services. Over the past 25 years, the company has built a reputation grounded in reliability, customer focus, and technical expertise. Its services today include enterprise connectivity, network management, managed ICT solutions, and infrastructure deployment for both private and public institutions.

These strengths closely match the assessment pillars of the EAC Quality Awards. Evaluators consider factors such as documented operational processes, and Zanlink demonstrated that its procedures are formalised and consistently applied. Customer experience systems including structured ways of gathering and resolving feedback were also evident. In terms of service delivery, the company showed the reliability of its network and the strong levels of uptime maintained for clients. Evidence of cybersecurity considerations and resilience planning reflected its commitment to safeguarding data and ensuring service continuity. Alignment with EAC service standards and ongoing efforts to improve operations further strengthened its profile.

The Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS), together with the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), has played a significant role in auditing them and providing guidance throughout their participation in the award process.
 
 Speaking after the recognition, Zanlink CEO Sanjay K. Raja expressed appreciation to customers, staff, and partners who have contributed to the company’s long journey. He noted that the award reflects the commitment of the Zanlink team and the trust customers have placed in the company over the years. Raja emphasised that the recognition reinforces Zanlink’s responsibility to continue delivering secure, dependable, and high-quality connectivity that supports Zanzibar’s socioeconomic development.

Supporting the Sectors that Drive Zanzibar’s Economy

Zanlink’s services support many of the sectors central to Zanzibar’s development. The tourism industry, a key driver of the Islands’ economy, depends on reliable internet connections for day-to-day operations in hotels, guest facilities, and associated businesses. For years, hospitality operators across Unguja and Pemba have relied on Zanlink for stable connectivity, making the company an important contributor to the sector’s digital readiness.

Small and medium-sized enterprises benefit from the company’s affordable and tailored connectivity solutions, which help businesses adopt digital tools, communicate with customers, and streamline their operations. Educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and training centres, use Zanlink’s services to support teaching, learning, research, and administration. Government ministries, departments, and agencies rely on the company’s networks to support e-government systems and strengthen service delivery. Beyond institutions, communities and households continue to benefit from the company’s efforts to expand fibre networks and last-mile access.

A Boost to Zanzibar’s Digital Future

The timing of the recognition is significant for Zanzibar’s digital development. The Islands are experiencing steady progress in broadband expansion, fibre connectivity, and digital service delivery. These developments form an important foundation for a modern digital economy, and the presence of strong, quality-driven ICT providers such as Zanlink is essential to sustaining that progress.

CEO Sanjay Raja reiterated that the achievement serves as motivation for continued investment in customer experience, technology upgrades, and resilient infrastructure. He added that Zanlink looks forward to working with government bodies, regulatory authorities, and the broader business community to advance Zanzibar’s digital transformation goals.

A Regional Spotlight for Zanzibar Enterprises

Zanlink’s recognition sends a strong message to the business community in Zanzibar: local companies can meet regional standards, compete effectively across East Africa, and represent the Islands proudly on a regional platform. As Zanzibar deepens its integration within the EAC framework, the achievement stands as evidence of the potential of its enterprises to grow, innovate, and lead.

In many ways, Zanlink’s award-winning moment is also a moment for Zanzibar, a reflection of ambition, progress, and the possibilities that emerge when quality systems and customer-centred innovation come together. As the Islands continue their digital transformation journey, this recognition will remain a symbol of what long-term commitment, operational excellence, and investment in technology can achieve.