THE Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) is set to host a landmark two-day event—the Zanzibar Investment Summit—scheduled for May 7 and 8, 2025, in Pemba.

The summit aims to promote, facilitate, and support investments in the region, drawing attention to Pemba’s untapped potential and positioning it as a new frontier for sustainable economic growth.

More than 1,000 participants, including local and international investors, government officials, and business leaders, are expected to take part in the summit. The event will combine business with culture, offering a dynamic platform for collaboration, discovery, and impactful networking.

ZIPA Executive Director Saleh Saad Mohamed made the announcement in Dar es Salaam during his official visit to The Guardian Limited offices located in Mikocheni Industrial Area.

He said the summit will open with a marathon infused with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, setting a vibrant and socially conscious tone for the gathering.

“The Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority will host the Zanzibar Investment Summit for two days, from May 7th to 8th this year. Sports and entertainment will kick off the event, starting with a marathon that will incorporate CSR activities from partners,” Mohamed said.

He emphasized the significance of involving local investors, pointing out that the summit offers a rare opportunity for East African investors to explore promising opportunities and form strategic alliances. The inclusion of East African participants, he said, underscores Zanzibar’s commitment to regional integration and inclusive economic development.

The summit’s agenda features five major activities: a marathon and CSR drive, the official summit opening, a high-profile gala dinner, an investment exhibition, and an excursion across Pemba to explore investment-ready sites. The gala dinner will provide an exclusive environment for sponsors, partners, and stakeholders to showcase their brands and engage in meaningful dialogue with top decision-makers.

Mohamed highlighted that the exhibition and excursion will not only serve as interactive platforms for learning and networking but also allow investors to see, first-hand, the abundant opportunities available across key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, blue economy, and infrastructure.

The Guardian Limited’s Deputy General Manager, Jackson Paulo, pledged the media house’s full support in covering the summit describing  it as a valuable initiative that aligns with the company’s mission to produce ethical, informative, and inspirational content.

“We are fully committed to supporting the summit through comprehensive coverage in Nipashe, The Guardian, and across our digital platforms. This is a great opportunity for us to generate ethical, publishable content that not only informs but also inspires positive development,” Paulo said.

The decision to host the summit in Pemba reflects the government’s strategic push to diversify investment beyond Unguja. While Unguja has traditionally attracted the majority of investors, Pemba offers equally compelling opportunities that remain underexploited.

ZIPA, established under the Zanzibar Investment Promotion and Protection Act No. 14 of 2018, is mandated to spearhead investment promotion and facilitate investor engagement in Zanzibar. All government institutions are required to cooperate with ZIPA to ensure smooth and efficient support for prospective investors.

As preparations intensify, ZIPA is encouraging interested investors and institutions to register through its official channels and take part in shaping the future of investment in Zanzibar.

For Zanzibar Investment Summit Registration follow: www.zis.co.tz