Zanzibar’s economy grew by 6.2% in 2024, up from 5.6% in 2023, driven by tourism (7.1%) and construction (5.8%), while agriculture lagged at 3.5%. However, inflation rose to 4.3% in January 2025, fueled by higher food (+5.6%) and transport costs (+4.8%). The trade deficit widened to USD 387.4 million, as imports increased to USD 521.6 million (+4.5%), outpacing exports of USD 134.2 million (+2.9%). Despite a 5.2% rise in revenue to TZS 115.6 billion, government spending exceeded collections by TZS 22.3 billion, maintaining a budget deficit.

1. Zanzibar’s GDP Growth: Strong Expansion Driven by Services and Industry

• Zanzibar’s economy grew by 6.2% in 2024, up from 5.6% in 2023.
• Growth was mainly driven by services (7.1%) and industry (5.8%), while agriculture expanded by 3.5%.

Sectoral Growth Breakdown (2024 GDP Growth Rates)

What It Means:

✅ Tourism and trade are driving economic expansion, supported by increased visitor arrivals.
✅ The construction sector is growing, boosting industrial performance.
⚠ Agriculture is growing slowly (3.5%), indicating the need for modernization and investment.

2. Inflation: Slight Increase Due to Rising Food and Transport Costs

• Inflation in Zanzibar stood at 4.3% in January 2025, up from 4.0% in December 2024.
• The increase was mainly driven by higher food prices (+5.6%) and transport costs (+4.8%).

What It Means:

⚠ Higher food prices are putting pressure on household purchasing power.
✅ Inflation remains moderate and within the acceptable range.

3. Trade Performance: Imports Rising Faster than Exports

Exports Grew but Remain Low Compared to Imports

• Total exports reached USD 134.2 million in January 2025, an increase of 2.9% from December 2024.
• Clove exports (USD 46.8 million) and seaweed exports (USD 12.1 million) remained the top earners.

Imports Increased, Widening Trade Deficit

• Total imports rose to USD 521.6 million (+4.5%), led by fuel and construction materials.
• The trade deficit widened to USD 387.4 million, reflecting higher demand for imported goods.

What It Means:

⚠ Zanzibar remains a net importer, increasing reliance on foreign exchange inflows from tourism and remittances.
✅ Growth in clove and seaweed exports helps sustain the economy.

4. Government Revenue and Spending: Improved Collection but Budget Deficit Persists

• Total revenue collection reached TZS 115.6 billion in January 2025, a 5.2% increase from December 2024.
• Tax revenue accounted for 85.3% of total revenue, supported by higher VAT and import duties.
• Total government expenditure stood at TZS 137.9 billion, leaving a budget deficit of TZS 22.3 billion.

What It Means:

✅ Revenue collection is improving, reducing reliance on external funding.
⚠ The government continues to spend more than it collects, increasing the need for budget control measures.

Summary of Key Trends in Zanzibar’s Economy (January 2025)

Economic Implications of Zanzibar’s Performance

🔹 Positive Signs:
✅ Economic growth remains strong (6.2%), driven by tourism and construction.
✅ Revenue collection is improving, reducing fiscal pressure.
✅ Clove and seaweed exports are supporting foreign exchange earnings.

🔸 Challenges:
⚠ Inflation is rising, increasing the cost of living.
⚠ Imports are growing faster than exports, widening the trade deficit.
⚠ Government spending exceeds revenue, creating a budget deficit.

Key Insights from Zanzibar’s Economic Performance (January 2025)

1. Strong Economic Growth (6.2%) Driven by Tourism and Industry

• Zanzibar’s economy expanded by 6.2% in 2024, up from 5.6% in 2023.
• Growth was driven by tourism (services up 7.1%) and construction (industry up 5.8%).

What It Means:

✅ Tourism recovery is fueling service sector growth, increasing employment and foreign exchange.
✅ Construction and industrial expansion indicate long-term development and infrastructure improvements.
⚠ Agriculture is growing slowly (3.5%), meaning rural incomes and food security could be affected.

2. Inflation is Rising (4.3%), Driven by Higher Food and Transport Costs

• Inflation increased to 4.3% in January 2025, from 4.0% in December 2024.
• Food prices (+5.6%) and transport costs (+4.8%) were the main drivers.

What It Means:

⚠ The rising cost of living could reduce household purchasing power.
✅ Inflation remains manageable but needs monitoring to prevent further increases.

3. Trade Deficit Widening as Imports Outpace Exports

• Total exports reached USD 134.2 million (+2.9%), driven by clove exports (USD 46.8 million) and seaweed (USD 12.1 million).
• Imports rose to USD 521.6 million (+4.5%), mainly due to higher fuel and construction material imports.
• Trade deficit widened to USD 387.4 million, increasing Zanzibar’s reliance on foreign currency inflows.

What It Means:

⚠ Zanzibar depends heavily on imports, making the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations.
✅ Growing exports of cloves and seaweed help offset some trade losses.

4. Government Revenue is Growing, But Deficit Remains

• Total revenue collection rose to TZS 115.6 billion (+5.2%), supported by higher tax collection (85.3% of revenue).
• Total expenditure stood at TZS 137.9 billion, leaving a budget deficit of TZS 22.3 billion.

What It Means:

✅ Tax revenues are improving, reducing reliance on external aid.
⚠ The government continues to spend more than it collects, requiring better budget management.

Overall Economic Implications

🔹 Positive Signs:
✅ Strong economic growth (6.2%) shows resilience and investment expansion.
✅ Tourism and construction remain key drivers of Zanzibar’s economy.
✅ Revenue collection is improving, supporting government operations.

🔸 Challenges:
⚠ Inflation is rising, increasing living costs for households.
⚠ Imports are outpacing exports, widening the trade deficit.
⚠ Government spending exceeds revenue, requiring fiscal adjustments.

In September 2024, Zanzibar's economy showed notable progress, driven by growth in trade, financial services, and construction, highlighting a shift toward greater sectoral diversity beyond traditional tourism. Revenue collection reached 88.6% of targets, underscoring improvements in fiscal management, yet a budget deficit remains due to rising expenditures. This economic snapshot reflects Zanzibar's steady trajectory toward sustainable development, though continued efforts to balance fiscal needs with growth aspirations will be essential to its long-term economic resilience.

1. Sectoral Growth:
   • Trade and Financial Services: Zanzibar’s economic expansion has been supported by growth in trade and financial services, both of which are significant drivers of economic activity and diversification. These sectors enhance the island’s capacity for sustainable development beyond traditional industries.
   • Construction: The construction sector has also shown robust growth, indicating infrastructure development and investment in housing and public projects. This growth supports job creation and has positive multiplier effects on the local economy.
2. Revenue Collection:
   • Target Achievement: Zanzibar achieved 88.6% of its revenue target in August 2024, with total revenue collections amounting to TZS 56.2 billion. This strong performance reflects improved fiscal management and effective tax administration, bolstering government resources to fund essential services and development initiatives.
   • Tax Revenue Contribution: Tax revenue accounted for the majority of collections, reaching TZS 48.7 billion. This reliance on tax revenue highlights improved compliance and enforcement, as well as a broadening tax base that reflects diversified economic activities.
3. Budget Deficit:
   • Despite solid revenue collection, a budget deficit remains due to spending requirements. While fiscal management has improved, the deficit underscores the need for increased revenues or spending adjustments to achieve fiscal balance without over-relying on debt.
4. Tourism and Trade:
   • Tourism: As one of Zanzibar’s most significant economic contributors, tourism continues to drive foreign exchange earnings, support jobs, and stimulate related sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail.
   • Trade: The growth in trade activities points to Zanzibar’s increased economic integration, particularly through exports and imports that serve both the local population and tourism-related needs. This sector contributes to economic resilience by providing diverse revenue streams.

Zanzibar’s economic performance is marked by progress in trade, financial services, and construction, showing signs of diversification and sustainable development. While revenue collection is strong, achieving 88.6% of targets, the existing budget deficit highlights areas for further fiscal improvements. Together, these indicators point to gradual but steady growth for Zanzibar, aligned with the broader economic goals of Tanzania.

The economic data for Zanzibar in 2024 with a promising trajectory toward growth, diversification, and fiscal improvement, though some challenges remain:

1. Sectoral Diversification and Resilience:
   • Growth in trade, financial services, and construction suggests that Zanzibar is diversifying its economy beyond traditional sectors like tourism. This diversification enhances resilience, as multiple sectors can drive growth, reducing dependency on a single industry and making the economy more stable during sector-specific downturns.
2. Improved Fiscal Management:
   • Achieving 88.6% of the revenue target reflects significant progress in fiscal management and revenue collection. Strong tax revenues of TZS 48.7 billion indicate better tax administration and compliance, providing the government with a more stable funding base for essential services and infrastructure projects.
3. Persistent Budget Deficit:
   • Although revenue collection is strong, the existing budget deficit shows that expenditures are still outpacing revenues. This deficit could limit funds for future development projects or require additional borrowing, which could raise the debt burden. Addressing this gap may involve further revenue enhancements or strategic spending cuts.
4. Reliance on Tourism and Trade:
   • Tourism remains a major economic driver, bringing in foreign exchange, creating jobs, and supporting various sectors. The growth in trade reflects economic integration and a stable supply chain for local and tourism-related needs. However, tourism dependency can make the economy vulnerable to global events affecting travel, underscoring the need for diversification.
5. Gradual Economic Progression:
   • Overall, Zanzibar’s growth across sectors, improved revenue collection, and steady infrastructure development indicate gradual economic progression. These advancements align with the broader goals of Mainland Tanzania, positioning Zanzibar as an essential contributor to national economic growth.

Zanzibar’s economic data shows a balanced path of growth, supported by sectoral diversification, fiscal improvements, and reliance on tourism and trade. While progress is steady, the budget deficit highlights a need for careful fiscal management to maintain growth momentum without over-reliance on borrowing. This balanced approach is crucial for building a resilient, diversified economy aligned with Tanzania’s overall development goals.