ZANZIBAR, Jan. 13 -- AS fishermen, traders and commuters gathered along the Maruhubi shoreline, hope was visible on their faces, that the sea which has sustained generations of Zanzibaris is about to open a new chapter of opportunity.

That optimism was echoed on the ground as Zanzibars Second Vice-President (2VP), Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, recently laid the foundation stone for the Maruhubi (Mpigaduri) Passenger and Cargo Port, a flagship project aimed at transforming Zanzibar into a regional hub for trade, tourism and the blue economy.

Representing the President of Zanzibar Dr Hussein Mwinyi, the Second VP said the project reflects the governments long-term vision of harnessing ocean resources to accelerate economic growth and positio...