Beginning July 1, 2025, all hospitality establishments across Zanzibar will be required to implement mandatory waste management practices, a bold policy move set to redefine sustainable tourism in the archipelago.
This transformative initiative, spearheaded by the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT), aims to curb environmental degradation caused by poor waste practices and position Zanzibar as a model for eco-conscious travel destination.
In an exclusive interview with ZiBi Magazine, Mr. Arif Manji, the Executive Secretary of ZCT, unpacked the motivations, implications, and future outlook of this historic decision. “Tourism contributes nearly 30% to Zanzibar’s GDP,” Mr. Manji opened, “and it is our duty to protect the very resources that make this destination so appealing, its beaches, culture, and biodiversity.”
Indeed, Zanzibar has gained global recognition for its natural beauty. In 2024, the archipelago was ranked the second-best travel destination globally by travel service provider Bounce, surpassing iconic locations like Ibiza and Mallorca.
But rapid tourism growth has brought unintended consequences: mounting waste volumes threaten the very ecosystem that underpins the industry.
Uncontrolled waste, especially plastics, has increasingly marred beaches and coastal communities. Piles of rubbish near hotels and urban centers tarnish Zanzibar’s image and deter environmentally-conscious travelers.
Even more concerning is the ecological cost: plastic waste contaminates oceans, endangers marine life, and destroys coral reefs, which are major attractions for divers and nature enthusiasts.
“If we don’t act now,” Manji warned, “we risk compromising not only our natural environment but also the economic lifeline that tourism provides to thousands of Zanzibaris.”
In 2024: Zanzibar was ranked the second-best travel destination globally by travel service provider Bounce.
In response, ZCT has introduced a sweeping regulatory framework under the umbrella of President of Zanzibar Dr. Hussein Mwinyi’s Greener Zanzibar initiative. This includes mandatory waste segregation, reduced single-use plastics, formal waste collection partnerships, and regular compliance monitoring for all tourism facilities.
Waste Not, Want Not: Industry’s New Responsibilities
Hospitality establishments need to introduce structured waste systems: segregating organic, plastic, glass, paper, and hazardous waste at the source, installing labeled disposal bins for guests and staff, partnering with certified waste collection and recycling firms and conducting regular internal waste audits and reporting outcomes to ZCT “It’s not just about dumping less,” explained Manji. “It’s about building a culture of sustainability, one hotel and one resort at a time.”
To ensure smooth adoption, ZCT is rolling out training workshops, site demonstrations, and sustainability certification programs for hotel staff and management. These are aimed not only at compliance but also at creating a knowledgeable hospitality workforce committed to environmental responsibility.
Long-Term Goals: More Than Clean Beaches
The mandatory waste management regulations are just one piece of Zanzibar’s broader sustainability puzzle. Long-term goals include: Zero Waste Tourism through recycling, composting, and eco-packaging, community engagement to increase public awareness and participation, green certification to reward businesses with eco-conscious practices and preservation of heritage by protecting the archipelago’s fragile ecosystems
“We envision a Zanzibar where economic growth goes hand in hand with ecological stewardship,” said Manji.
Zanzibar’s move mirrors international best practices. As Mr. Manji highlighted, responsible waste management has become a cornerstone of global tourism strategies. In 2024, East African states, including Zanzibar, participated in a regional forum, facilitated by the UN World Tourism Organization UNWTO and other international bodies, to harmonize sustainability standards.
“Our commitment aligns with global efforts to foster circular economies and reduce single-use plastics,” said Mr. Manji. “We are preparing Zanzibar for the eco-conscious traveler of tomorrow.”
Economic Upside: Turning Trash into Opportunity
Adopting sustainable practices isn’t just good for the environment, it’s also smart business. ZCT outlines several economic benefits awaiting compliant businesses. These include: cost savings through waste reduction and recycling, and revenue generation from recyclable materials.
Other benefits are enhanced branding through sustainability certifications, higher occupancy rates driven by eco-conscious travelers, new business models in waste collection, recycling, and eco-product development “We’re already seeing youth-led enterprises collecting plastics, turning waste into compost, and creating reusable goods,” Manji noted. “This policy will accelerate such innovation and job creation.”
Compliance or Consequences
The implementation of Zanzibar’s new waste management policy marks a pivotal shift in how the tourism sector must operate, with clear directives. Businesses are no longer being asked, they are expected, to adopt sustainable waste practices in line with national environmental goals.
Those who fail to comply will face concrete consequences, including fines, suspension of operating licenses, and potential closure. The Commission is taking a firm stance, emphasizing that protecting Zanzibar’s natural environment is not optional.
Compliance is now a measure of eligibility to operate within the sector, with routine inspections and monitoring systems in place to track adherence. This new era of accountability sends a powerful message: environmental negligence will not be tolerated, and sustainability is now a non-negotiable standard in doing business.
“We are not here to punish, but to guide and protect,” Manji emphasized. “Our goal is to raise standards, not shutter businesses.”
A Model for Africa?
With growing global attention on sustainability, Zanzibar’s decision serves as a blueprint for other small island destinations facing similar environmental threats. The new regulations demonstrate that bold leadership and local commitment can align to protect natural assets while fostering economic resilience.
As the clock ticks toward the July 2025 implementation deadline, all eyes are on Zanzibar, not only as a tourism hotspot but as a potential leader in sustainable tourism innovation.
“This is a turning point,” concluded Mr. Manji with vision-led and execution-focus. “Zanzibar is not only investing in clean beaches and general environment today but in the future of its people, its planet, and its place on the global tourism map.”
