Blue Economy: Investing in Skilled Workers for Sustainable Development

Zanzibar’s flagship Blue Economy initiative aims to foster development by responsibly managing the sea and its resources. This strategic plan involves harnessing maritime and marine resources to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth while generating employment opportunities.

By tapping into the economic potential of the sea while ensuring the preservation of the ecosystem, the initiative prioritizes the protection of marine environments through sustainable practices such as biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and enhancing coastal resilience. However, to fully realize the benefits of the Blue Economy, it is imperative to prioritize the training and development of skilled workers who can effectively contribute to its success.

This is in line with Zanzibar Development Vision 2050 which regards Blue Economy as a priority area for the next 30 years, serving as an effective and sustainable means of improving livelihoods and transforming the economy. The Blue Economy policy has thus been developed by the government as a guiding framework for the implementation of the sea-based economy for the coming decade.

This is a shift from the traditional tourism-led service sector that has been the mainstay of Zanzibar economy for decades. For, the waters off the coast of Zanzibar not only attract thousands of tourists annually seeking sun, sea and sand, but they are also rich in precious commodities ranging from food to energy and ornaments as well as transportation. That is why the Blue Economy Policy aims to work in the following priority areas: fisheries and aquaculture, maritime trade and infrastructure, energy, tourism and marine and maritime governance.

If fully implemented, the Blue Economy is poised to create thousands of jobs in deep sea fishing and fish processing, marine transport, tourism and its already booming subsectors such as high-end holiday apartments and hospitality as well as seaweed farming, processing and export.

But one of the challenges Zanzibar faces in this grand endeavor is shortage of skilled and labor in the priority areas of the Blue Economy and the need to act is now. “There is limited export diversification in Zanzibar: the bulk of exports is in commodities that are highly price-volatile, such as cloves and seaweed. This is a consequence of a lack of local industrial production. Exports lag behind imports because the port has no linkages to export-oriented sectors, including product assembly, processing and manufacturing, compounded further by a low supply of raw materials and skilled workers,” reads Zanzibar Blue Economy Policy.

A study which was commissioned by Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) cited lack of adequate numbers of skilled people as one of the serious challenges thwarting tourism developments. It found that over 60 percent of foreign workers in Zanzibar is in the tourism sector, largely due to insufficient supply of skills from the local labor market (in terms of quality and quantity) for the industry.

If the issue of lack of skilled workers remains unaddressed, it could undermine the potential of the initiative, which otherwise holds the promise of transforming Zanzibar for the better.

Picture a scenario where Zanzibar boasts some of the finest hotels in Africa, yet the majority of managers are foreigners. Similarly, envision Zanzibar as Africa’s hub for fishing and fish processing, yet the key staff are predominantly foreigners.

 Additionally, consider Zanzibar as Africa’s shipping and logistics hub, managed primarily by foreigners, or as a premier destination for marine sports, with Zanzibaris relegated to mere spectators at the beach.

The success of the Blue Economy hinges on the active participation of skilled Zanzibaris across all sectors prioritized within the initiative. Such involvement instills a sense of ownership and pride among the local populace.

Therefore, it is imperative for the government and private sector stakeholders to swiftly devise a comprehensive capacity-building plan for the Blue Economy. Early action in this regard is crucial for ensuring the meaningful engagement of Zanzibaris and maximizing the initiative’s potential benefits.

For, Zanzibar is currently undergoing a massive economic transformation that aims to position the islands as an economic powerhouse in the region. Recent trends have witnessed the influx of foreign direct investment leading to significant investments in various sectors. Massive government reforms aimed at improving the business environment have successfully attracted 296 investment projects valued at 4.5 billion US dollars (about 12 trillion TZS) in Zanzibar, in the period of three years.

From global hotel brands establishing their presence in Zanzibar’s tourism sector to attractive real estate opportunities, the islands have become a magnet for major players in the global economy. This influx of investments underscores Zanzibar’s growing prominence in East Africa, renowned for its tourism, trade, and investment opportunities. The Silicon Zanzibar initiative, which aims to attract global technology startups, further demonstrates Zanzibar’s readiness for business and innovation.

Efforts have been made to address this concern, with initiatives such as the establishment of the IIT Madras Zanzibar branch, the introduction of a tourism degree course at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), and the restructuring of the educational curriculum to focus more on skills and competency development. These steps indicate that Zanzibar is well-equipped to reform its workforce and contribute to its economic growth.

While the efforts made by Zanzibar to address the skills gap are commendable, it remains uncertain whether these initiatives will effectively bridge the gap and meet the requirements of establishments in filling available positions.

Despite the promising steps taken by Zanzibar, there are several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the success of these initiatives. One major concern is the sustainability of the programs and their long-term impact on the workforce.

To achieve a comprehensive workforce development strategy and balance the needs for an agile workforce with the pace of economic growth, Zanzibar must take specific measures. These measures include: Investing in ongoing training and skill development programs to ensure that workers are equipped with the necessary skills for evolving job roles. This will help to ensure that the workforce remains adaptable and competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

Zanzibar should focus on creating partnerships with local businesses and industries to identify their specific workforce needs and tailor training programs accordingly. The initiative will not only help address the current skills gap but also foster stronger collaboration between the government and private sector.

Additionally, the government should consider implementing incentives for businesses to participate in these training programs, such as tax breaks or access to subsidized resources. These incentives can encourage businesses to actively engage in training programs and invest in the development of their workforce.

It is crucial to ensure that educational institutions are equipped with the necessary resources and expertise to deliver high-quality training and education to students. This can be done by providing educational institutions with enough funding and working with business professionals to create curriculum that meets the demands of the labor market.

Initiatives such as establishing apprenticeship programs and internships can provide students with hands-on experience and bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. By implementing these measures, we can ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the workforce and contribute to economic growth.

For Zanzibar to reap the maximum benefit of its economic transformation journey, workforce development should be a top priority. Introducing blended approaches that combine efforts from the public and private sectors can help to foster collaboration and ensure a comprehensive approach to workforce development.

By leveraging the strengths and resources of both sectors, Zanzibar can create a sustainable ecosystem that not only meets the current demands of industries but also prepares its workforce for future challenges and opportunities.

Mohammed Ally Salum