The coastal city of Mombasa and the Tanzanian semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar seek to form new strategic partnership to boost regional trade, blue economy sectors and tourism value.
The blue economy sector also known as the sustainable ocean-based economy encompasses fisheries, maritime biotechnology, aquaculture, tourism and marine transport and logistics.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir says his administration is committed to preserving the historical, cultural and economic ties with the people of the Zanzibar archipelago.
Nassir says Mombasa and Zanzibar will partner to harness their maritime resources for job creation and socio-economic growth.
He said the two islands are focal points of East Africa’s blue economy sector that share similar rich ecosystems like coral reefs, mangrove forests, and highly productive fisheries.
The Governor says both Mombasa and Zanzibar support diverse marine life, large-scale maritime trade, and bustling eco-tourism industries though each leverages its maritime territory differently.
Speaking when he hosted the lord mayor of Zanzibar Kamal Abdulsatar Haji in his office, Nassir said he is committed to preserving Mombasa’s historical ties with Zanzibar while building new bridges of friendship for posterity.
Mombasa offers a rich blend of history, culture, and coastal biodiversity with top sites including the UNESCO-listed Fort Jesus, the vibrant Mombasa Old Town, Haller Park for wildlife viewing and pristine white-sand beaches lining the turquoise Indian Ocean.
On the other hand, Zanzibar is famous for its powder-soft white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, rich spice-trading history and Stone Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage site making it a highly sought-after getaway just off the coast of Tanzania.
The coastal county boss said Mombasa is out to promote its rich marine, cultural, heritage and historical sites to attract local and international visitors.
“Mombasa and Zanzibar share centuries of cultural ties, maritime heritage and economic connections,” he said.
He went on ‘by strengthening city-to-city diplomacy we can unlock new opportunities for collaboration in tourism, trade, the blue economy, culture and sustainable urban development for the benefit of our people’.
Mombasa and Zanzibar have been the epicenter of ancient Indian Ocean maritime trade and share deeply intertwined Swahili history and culture.
Mayor Haji said both Zanzibar and Mombasa share turquoise waters and pristine sandy beaches that continue to attract tourists arriving to ‘savour our pristine white sandy beaches’.
The lord mayor who said his visit to Mombasa was part of a ‘’city-to-city diplomatic initiative’ said Zanzibar and Mombasa continue to attract tourists annually seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking beaches, and historic sites.
The visiting leader said Zanzibar and Mombasa will foster cultural exchanges and skill transfers in the hospitality and blue economy sectors to boost regional travel and trade.
By Hussein Abdullahi
