Residents of Zanzibar, the globally renowned Tanzanian archipelago, are braced for a busy weekend ahead as over 300 traders and entrepreneurs are set to throng Mnazi Mmoja Grounds to participate in the 3rd edition of the Fahari Ya Zanzibar Business Expo.
The Isle’s vibrant annual trade gala has been designed to provide an important platform for entrepreneurs and producers from Zanzibar and Mainland Tanzania to showcase their products.
The event, which has received financial support from Stanbic Bank Tanzania to the tune of 200m/-, aims to explore new markets and build commercial networks among participants, as well as expand market scope while strengthening business linkages.
As per the set schedule, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi will grace the prestigious exhibition, which will take place for ten consecutive days, from September 4 to 14, 2026, on the famous tourist island.
According to Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA) Executive Director, Mr Juma Burhan Mohd, the expo is expected to play a notable role in helping entrepreneurs boost their businesses, especially through value addition to their products.
“The event has been organised in sync with the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE), and it is expected to enable participants to meet potential buyers, access new markets and establish business partnerships,” he said.
He stated that all key preparations ahead of the event have been accomplished, detailing that a special area has been set aside for local entrepreneurs to display their products, as part of efforts to honour their role in building Zanzibar’s economy.
The event will be held under the theme, “Our Products, Our Pride,” and will feature specific days focusing on health, youth, innovation, tourism, arts, education, taxation, business formalisation and financial literacy, together with cultural and entertainment activities.
On his side, TANTRADE representative, Mr Tahir Mussa Ibrahim, said the state-owned authority is participating in line with its mandate to promote trade and markets.
He explained that institutions from Mainland Tanzania, including the Tea Board of Tanzania and the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC), stand among those lined up to exhibit their products and services.
“Their participation will help link producers to markets and strengthen trade ties between Zanzibar and the Mainland,” he said.
He added that arrangements have been made to ease the movement of goods, including handling customs procedures to ensure timely delivery.
Stanbic Bank Tanzania Head of Business, Ms Fatma Mohd Ahmed, said the financial institution is set to roll out monetary services and financial literacy education to participants during the course of the expo.
She assured that the bank continues to support key sectors such as agriculture, tourism and trade, noting that its importation solutions enable payments in Chinese yuan and link Tanzanian businesses with suppliers through partnerships with China.
With over 500 visitors and buyers expected to visit the exhibition, the organisers have urged participants to use the platform to promote their products, access markets and build partnerships.