Zanzibar’s real estate sector received a significant boost with the official launch of the Real Estate Developers Association (REDA) Zanzibar, an organization bringing together the archipelago’s developers and industry professionals. REDA aims to foster collaboration, share best practices and engage government stakeholders to address longstanding regulatory and infrastructural challenges.
The association officially inaugurated on April 3, 2025, promises to serve as a unified voice advocating for investment- friendly policies and greater transparency.
“Our mission is simple: developing Zanzibar together,” said REDA Chairman, Mr. Marcin Filipczyk, during the launching ceremony at Golden Tulip Airport Hotel in Zanzibar. “We are not just building homes and villas but also building opportunities for economic growth, jobs, and long-term prosperity,” he added.
The event was made possible through the support of several partners, including GF Trucks, Rahisi Solution, Said Attorneys, and Golden Tulip Hotel, whose contributions were instrumental in its successful execution.
The current members of the REDA include Infinity Company Limited, PADDCO, MB Homes, Johari Developers, Furaha Investment, PGH-Utulivu, and CPS Live Limited, representing a cross-section of key players in Tanzania’s real estate sector.
Legal counsel for REDA, Mr. Masoud Salim, said the association’s mission is to develop the real estate sector by ensuring it is robust, well-structured, efficient, and successful, while making a meaningful contribution to the growth and prosperity of the economy.
We are not just building homes and villas but also building opportunities for economic growth, jobs, and long-term prosperity
He highlighted how real estate investments contribute to employment, infrastructure development, and foreign direct investment, while also helping to diversify Zanzibar’s economy beyond tourism. According to him, the association seeks to act as a competent and significant partner for the dialogue and collaboration between all stakeholders and the government of Zanzibar to achieve synergy effect and act for improvement of investment environment with inviting regulatory framework and essential transparency.
“I feel incredibly positive and inspired—real estate truly represents the future. If I were in government, I would place the highest priority on ensuring it is done properly, as it holds immense potential to positively impact our economy,” he said.
Mr. Salim said real estate is the next big thing not only in Zanzibar but also around the world. He sees immense potential in real estate—both in Zanzibar and globally – citing recent data which indicates that by 2025 the global real estate sector was projected to reach a value of $400 trillion. Closer to home, in Mauritius, Mr. Salim said the sector is expected to be worth $25 billion this year, with $14 billion attributed solely to residential real estate.
“Zanzibar possesses all the right ingredients for success. However, as I often say—both here and to policymakers—while potential is promising, it is essential that we get it right,” he added.
REDA plans to work closely with the Urban Planning Department to develop clear, consistent rules for land development and town planning, ensuring sustainable growth while preserving Zanzibar’s unique urban character. It also prioritizes establishing due diligence standards for potential investors to uphold sector integrity and protect the country’s reputation as a trusted investment destination.
In parallel, the association is pushing for greener, more eco-friendly construction practices by promoting the use of sustainable technologies and building standards.
The association also plans to collaborate with academic institutions to educate and train young, talented individuals in industry-specific professions. This includes supporting scholarship and exchange programs to enhance local expertise and prepare the next generation of professionals in the real estate sector.
REDA also seeks to bring global best practices to Zanzibar and further raise the standard of local development initiatives through partnerships with global organizations.
Existing challenges
Mr. Filipczyk observed that while Zanzibar continues to make progress, certain challenges persist—particularly in the area of its regulatory framework. He pointed to the Condominium Act as one example that could benefit from a comprehensive review to better align with the evolving needs of the modern property market.
He also noted that new regulations are sometimes introduced without prior consultation with industry stakeholders, adding that more inclusive engagement would bring Zanzibar in line with global best practices in the real estate sector.
Emphasizing the importance of partnership, Mr. Filipczyk called for closer collaboration between the public and private sectors. “We are eager to engage in open and constructive dialogue with government officials. Our goal is to work together,” he said.
Zanzibar possesses all the right ingredients for success. However, as I often say – both here and to policy makers – while potential is promising, it is essential that we get it right.
He stressed that the private sector shares a strong commitment to contributing to Zanzibar’s development, but that this must be supported by a regulatory environment that fosters and facilitates investment.
“As we look to the future, creating an enabling environment for investment will be key. There is still room for improvement, but with shared commitment, Zanzibar can become a leading destination for sustainable real estate investment,” he added.
Government reiterates commitment
Zanzibar’s Minister of State, President’s Office – Labor, Economy, and Investment, Mr. Shariff A. Shariff, was the guest of honor during the function to launch the association, attended by government officials, real estate developers, various distinguished guests from the private sector, financiers and member of the media.
He commended REDA’s formation, calling it a “strategic platform” that will strengthen ties between developers and regulators. “We are committed to working with the private sector to shape laws that support sustainable development,” he said.
According to him, REDA will serve as a driving force to promote professionalism, transparency and a constructive dialogue between industry stakeholders and the government. “The government of Zanzibar remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering private sector growth and creating a conducive environment for investment and development,” he said.
The minister reaffirmed that the government was effectively working to refine regulatory framework to enhance transparency, ease of doing business and investor confidence. Institutions such as Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) and the Ministry of Land, through Commission of Land Zanzibar (COLA) are continuously striving to improve policies that support local and foreign direct investment in real estate, he said, adding that the government recognizes that an efficient, well-regulated and investor-friendly real estate sector can unlock significant economic potential.
“By strengthening this sector, we create employment, drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for our citizens. Collaboration between the government and real estate developers is essential for sustainable urban development. We encourage REDA to actively engage with public institutions in shaping laws, regulations and guidelines that will benefit both investors and the people of Zanzibar,” said Mr. Shariff.
“We invite REDA to engage regularly with the ministry and other relevant bodies to discuss industry priorities and address investor’s concerns. We believe that through structured collaboration and proactive engagement, Zanzibar’s real estate sector will flourish and become a key driver of economic prosperity,” he added.
Players share success tips
The real estate players had an opportunity to share their experience and offer tips on how the Zanzibar real estate could make more progress.
Speaking during panel discussion, they also exposed the available investment opportunities and some of the existing regulatory framework which the investors need to comply. Regional director of RE/Max, Mr. James C. Prevost, advised developers, investors, and policymakers not to focus solely on leisure-based investments, adding that leisure alone cannot sustain the Zanzibar in the long term.
Mr. Prevost who has over 20 years of experience in real estate, said they must begin to consider other critical sectors — for instance, warehousing. “There is a significant shortage of warehouse space in Zanzibar. We frequently receive requests for facilities of 1,000 to 3,000 square meters, but such spaces simply do not exist. Most warehouses are no larger than 600 square meters. We need industrial parks, proper office buildings, and supporting infrastructure,” he told the audience.
With all the new developments taking place, it is essential to ensure that the necessary amenities accompany them, he said, mentioning things like retail centers, medical facilities, and entertainment hubs which are still needed in Zanzibar.
“It’s no use constructing luxury hotels or ambitious off-plan developments if the end user has to travel long distances for basic services like groceries, healthcare, or even social visits,” he said. According to him, some projects have struggled to take off simply due to the lack of supporting amenities.
He mentioned areas like Masaki and Oyster Bay in Dar es Salaam which he described as highly sought-after locations precisely because they offer safety and every essential amenity within close reach.
“So, as we move forward, let’s shift our focus beyond just building properties. Let’s look at the broader picture — the services and infrastructure that will make these developments truly viable and successful,” he said.
Managing Director of Johari Developers, Mr. Imran Gohar, who heads real estate development across Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, shared some comparison on the investment environment in both sides.
“I find Zanzibar far more enjoyable than the Mainland. The Mainland feels a bit dull by comparison, while Zanzibar is vibrant and full of life,” he said. According to him, Zanzibar is unique due to its natural beauty that simply can’t be manufactured, and of course the hospitality of the local community.
“I’ve seen seasoned real estate professionals — people who’ve travelled extensively — come to Zanzibar, walk along the beach, and say, ‘I’ve never experienced anything like this.’ That kind of reaction says it all. It’s something you don’t find just anywhere,” he said.
He also shared an experience of the people of Zanzibar whose warmth and hospitality are positive,
“Just two weeks ago, we hosted a leadership team meeting with guests from Europe. After a week on the island, one of them said, ‘In all that time, I only encountered one unpleasant person.’ That says a lot about the general warmth and hospitality of the local community — something that truly sets Zanzibar apart,” he said.
From a business perspective, he said, Zanzibar stands out with one of the key advantages being the condo board structure, which allows for the sale of property to foreigners — something not yet available on the Mainland. “This opens up the market significantly and enables us to cater to international buyers, not just local ones. That’s a unique edge we have here,” he said.
Despite the attractions, he urged investors to raise their game because the people buying properties in Zanzibar are foreigners who are globally exposed.
“Zanzibar is not the first place they’re considering — they’ve looked at Dubai, Europe, Bali, and many other destinations. We are now competing with some of the biggest property markets in the world, and these buyers are making direct comparisons between us and such places which have been developing at a high standard for many years,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of PADDCO who leads transformative real estate projects including Blue Pearl, Mr. Max Maxwell, said investors need clarity and consistency on the rules governing things such as ownership, taxes and incentives.
Zanzibar is not the first place they’re considering – they’ve looked at Dubai, Europe, Bali, and many other destinations. We are now competing with some of the biggest property markets in the world
“One of the more daunting aspects of investing in Africa, generally speaking, is the potential for things to change overnight. For us as investors — or for those investing in our projects — that kind of sudden shift can leave you stuck in a difficult situation,” he said.
“That’s why, in my view, clarity and consistency are absolutely essential. But beyond that, strong partnerships are equally important — not just at the government level, but also locally. You need the right legal advisors, reliable tax professionals, trustworthy contractors, and skilled construction teams. These relationships are crucial when entering this market,” he added.
Chie Executive Officer of CPS – a pioneer real estate developer in Zanzibar, Mr. Sebastian Dietzold, shared his experience which shown improvements in terms of regulatory environment and infrastructure, among other things.
“We’ve seen a huge growth of this sector. A lot of developments have come in over the time. And one thing that was mentioned earlier, the consistency that we have had on the support from the government, from day one, up to today, is very special,” he said.
“What has changed is that we are now many developers, that the market is growing. Zanzibar has become very famous in the world now,” he added.
Executive Secretary of the Commission for Lands (COLA), Mr. Mussa Kombo Bakari shared some of the initiatives being spearheaded by the government to improve regulatory landscape of the real estate sector in Zanzibar.
He said regulations which are to deal with the land transfer have already been signed by the Minister for Lands and they’ll be soon released. He also said that a digital platform called Land Administration and Registration Information System (LARIS) was being developed to simplify processing of documents and other applications.
“We have been having the stories of the loss of the files and the transfer files, but soon, that will be the history,” he said.
