Nairobi: The coastal city of Mombasa and the Tanzanian semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar seek to form a 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.
According to Kenya News Agency, 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 noted that the two islands are focal points of East Africa’s blue economy sector, sharing similar rich ecosystems like coral reefs, mangrove forests, and highly productive fisheries.
The Governor emphasized that both Mombasa and Zanzibar support diverse marine life, large-scale maritime trade, and bustling eco-tourism industries, although each leverages its maritime territory differently. Speaking during a meeting with the Lord Mayor of Zanzibar, Kamal Abdulsatar Haji, Nassir expressed his commitment to preserving Mombasa’s historical ties with Zanzibar while building new bridges of friendship for future generations.
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 renowned for its powder-soft white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, rich spice-trading history, and Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a highly sought-after getaway just off the coast of Tanzania.
The coastal county boss stated that Mombasa aims 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 continued, “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 highlighted that both Zanzibar and Mombasa share turquoise waters and pristine sandy beaches, which continue to attract tourists eager to “savour our pristine white sandy beaches.”
The lord mayor remarked that his visit to Mombasa was part of a “city-to-city diplomatic initiative,” noting that Zanzibar and Mombasa continue to draw tourists annually seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage, breathtaking beaches, and historic sites. The visiting leader mentioned that Zanzibar and Mombasa will foster cultural exchanges and skill transfers in the hospitality and blue economy sectors to boost regional travel and trade.
