Zanzibar, 07 April 2025 — In a major move to boost diaspora engagement and enhance investment in the tourism industry, the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) has officially announced that members of the Zanzibar Diaspora are now permitted to invest in Tourism Residences operations, popularly known as “Airbnb”, across the islands.

The announcement follows the official visit of His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, to the United Kingdom, where he engaged with the Zanzibar Diaspora community. Valuable insights shared during the visit highlighted the need to actively involve diaspora members in national development, particularly within the tourism sector.

According to ZCT, the new directive allows diaspora members to legally invest in Airbnb-style accommodations, provided their properties meet tourism standards and comply with one of the following conditions:

Property Acquisition: The property must be purchased through the Zanzibar Housing Corporation (ZHC) or the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF).

Project Registration: The project must be registered with the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA).

Diaspora Identification: The investor must possess a valid Diaspora ID issued by relevant authorities.

“This initiative is part of broader efforts to encourage responsible and sustainable tourism development in Zanzibar,” said Arif Abbas Manji, Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism. “We are committed to supporting diaspora engagement and ensuring inclusive growth in the tourism sector.”

The move is expected to foster stronger ties with the diaspora while positioning Zanzibar as a top-tier investment destination in East Africa’s tourism industry.

ZCT has extended a warm invitation to the global Zanzibar community to take part in building a vibrant and resilient tourism economy on the islands.

For more information, contact:

Email: info@zanzibartourism.go.tz
Visit for more details www.zanzibartourism.go.tz