Zanzibar Launches Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Investor Map: A New Era for Impact Investment

June 11, 2024

From Left to right: Shigeki Komatsubara, UNDP Resident Representative, Hon Othman Masoud Sharif First Vice President of Zanzibar and Hon. Shariff Ali. Shariff, the Minister of State, President's Office, Labour, Economic Affairs, and Investment launching the Zanzibar SDG Investor Map Handbook.

UNDP Tanzania

Zanzibar celebrated a milestone with the unveiling of the Zanzibar Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Investor Map, a collaborative initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (RGoZ). The event, coinciding with the Zanzibar Investment Day, was graced by Hon. Othman Masoud Sharif, the First Vice President of Zanzibar, under the theme "Impact Investing for Accelerated Development in Zanzibar."

Hon. Othman Masoud Sharif emphasized the significance of the SDG Investor Map, highlighting its role in catalyzing investment, that promote sustainable development and improve community well-being. “The SDG Investor Map is a testament to the commitment of both the UNDP and the government of Zanzibar to catalyzing investment in projects that promote sustainable development and improve the lives of the people in our communities,” he said.

From left to right- Mr. Shigeki Komatsubara, UNDP Resident Representative, Hon. Othman Masoud Sharif, First Vice President of Zanzibar, and Hon. Shariff Ali. Shariff, the Minister of State, President's Office, Labor, Economic Affairs, and Investment, launching the SDG Investor Map.

UNDP Tanzania

The SDG Investor Map, developed through extensive research and stakeholder consultation, identifies eight Investment Opportunity Areas (IOAs) in Agriculture, Renewable and Alternative Energy, Infrastructure, and Services. These IOAs not only align with Zanzibar’s development needs and offer a strategic framework for impactful investment.

Mr. Shigeki Komatsubara, the UNDP Resident Representative, highlighted the transformative potential of the SDG Investor Map and the newly launched local online platform hosted by ZIPA. These platforms connect global investors to explore Zanzibar’s opportunities.

A panel discussion on "Investment Landscape in Zanzibar and the results of Zanzibar SDG Investor Map" explored the investment climate and the sectors ripe for investment, emphasizing the importance fostering an environment conducive to financial returns and progress towards the SDGs.

Hon. Shariff Ali. Shariff, Minister of State, President's Office, Labour, Economic Affairs, and Investment, expressed gratitude to UNDP for their support in promoting investment, economic growth, and sustainable development. He underscored the pivotal role of UNDP in preparing the Zanzibar Investment Guide and the SDG Investor Map.

The unveiling of the SDG Investor Map marks a significant step towards a sustainable future for Zanzibar, reflecting a collective commitment to driving positive change and fostering a more prosperous and equitable society for all.