Zanzibar Z‑Summit unveils US$1.1bn tourism receipts
Zanzibar’s fourth Z‑Summit, held 11–12 February 2026 at the State University of Zanzibar, reported a record 2025 for the archipelago’s tourism sector, with international arrivals nearing one million, growth of 7.1% and receipts surpassing US$1.1 billion. The marketplace drew more than 120 exhibitors and over 300 hosted buyers from 20+ countries, underscoring rising demand and the destination’s evolution beyond beach leisure toward a broader business and events hub.
Officials outlined an active investment pipeline, with ZIPA registering over 1,300 projects worth US$14.3 billion – more than half in tourism – alongside airport, road and utilities upgrades and preparations for AFCON 2027, which Tanzania will co‑host. Priorities include diversification into MICE, wellness, culinary and digital‑nomad segments, plus cultural and halal tourism, while stronger intra‑African ties were highlighted by a Ghana delegation led by TOUGHA; organisers emphasised the summit’s deal‑making focus through B2B meetings, education sessions and familiarisation trips.
Source: Travel News Africa
