ZANZIBAR, Aug. 30 -- ZANZIBAR is positioning itself as East Africas next major trade and logistics hub through a sweeping programme of modernising and expanding its ports.

A move the government said will unlock unprecedented opportunities in shipping, business, tourism and regional connectivity.

The multi-billion-shilling initiative, spearheaded by President Dr Hussein Mwinyis administration, is designed to link Zanzibars ports into a single integrated system capable of handling international cargo, fish landings, petroleum products, passenger ferries and cruise ships.

Minister for Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, said preparations are well underway to overhaul key ports on Unguja and Pemba islands....