Zanzibar’s new UN programme to target poverty, inequality, and climate challenges

Zanzibar, the United Nations, and partners have commenced two integrated joint programmes that will advance sustainable development in the northern regions of Unguja and Pemba (Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba).

Together, these initiatives aim to empower vulnerable communities, promote women’s economic leadership, and strengthen resilience in the face of climate change.

Integrated Innovations for Development

The Zanzibar Joint Programme (ZJP) (2025–2027), Integrated Innovations for Sustainable Development: Empowering Vulnerable Communities in Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba, is supported by a USD 3.5 million contribution from the Royal Norwegian Embassy through the Tanzania SDG Acceleration Fund.

With a total budget of USD 8.4 million, the ZJP focuses on four critical pillars:

• Human capital strengthening
• Food systems transformation with an emphasis on climate-resilient value chains
• Ending violence against women and children
• Climate adaptation for coastal populations in low-lying areas

Currently, three pillars are funded, with implementation underway through the collective engagement of 12 UN organisations working closely with government ministries and local partners.

This collaborative approach ensures that the programme addresses development challenges in a holistic and integrated manner.

“It is more important than ever that we come together for joint action such as the Zanzibar Joint Programme. It is impressive to see the fruitful ownership and coordination between the Government of Zanzibar, communities, and a wide range of UN organizations,” said Ms. Lisa Sivertsen, Counsellor – Governance, Royal Norwegian Embassy.

Seaweed Farming as a Blue Economy Priority

Building on this foundation, the Joint Programme on Transforming Seaweed Farming through Integrated Financial Solutions, backed by USD 3 million from the Joint SDG Fund, brings together FAO, UNDP, IFAD, and WFP in partnership with the Government

of Zanzibar.

The programme aims to transition seaweed farming from a subsistence activity into a dynamic and competitive industry that drives food systems transformation and inclusive economic growth.

By 2028, the initiative is expected to benefit 15,000 seaweed farming households, enabling them to increase their incomes by 40 per cent through improved access to finance, stronger cooperatives, and expanded markets.

The programme will leverage additional funding by aligning public and private efforts and investments around one of the Government’s key blue economy priorities.

The Joint SDG Fund’s support has been made possible through contributions from the European Union and private sector funding partners.

Strategic Alignment and Local Impact

The new seaweed programme complements the ZJP’s food systems transformation pillar, expanding efforts to strengthen value chains by transforming one of Zanzibar’s key export crops into a sustainable driver of livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and blue-economy growth.

“The programmes respond directly to the root causes of poverty and inequality among the most marginalized communities in Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba. The majority of the 532,000 beneficiaries work in the informal sector, relying heavily on the blue economy for their livelihoods, food security, and income,” said Mr. Juma Malik Akil, Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office (Ministry of Finance and Planning – Zanzibar).

Together, the two programmes reinforce each other and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Zanzibar’s Development Vision 2050, and the Zanzibar Development Plan (ZADEP 2021–2026).

Leadership and Partnerships

Underscoring the importance of national leadership and international solidarity, Ms. Susan Ngongi Namondo, UN Resident Coordinator, highlighted that:

“The fact that both programmes are coordinated through institutional mechanisms under the Zanzibar Planning Commission (ZPC) is a testament to the Government’s commitment to sustainable development. We look forward to continuing to leverage even more resources and partnerships to ensure that these programmes deliver lasting impact for the

people of Zanzibar.”

The announcement followed a meeting of the Joint Programme Steering Committee (JPSC), co-led by the Permanent Secretary and the UN Resident Coordinator with participation from line ministries, heads of UN organisations, and officials from the Royal Norwegian Embassy.

This body will provide strategic oversight and ensure accountability for both programmes.

Committee members expressed their shared commitment to engaging communities, the private sector, government programmes, and other development partners in advancing Zanzibar’s development priorities and ensuring the success of the initiatives.