Edwin George, Founder & CEO of Unique Touch Company Limited (right), and Fatma Mabrouk Khamis (left), Principal Secretary Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development-Zanzibar, shake hands following the signing of MoU for the Zanzibar International Trade Fair 2025/2026.
As Zanzibar continues to position itself as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and international investment, the Zanzibar International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2025/2026 is set to be one of the most significant economic and cultural event in East Africa.
Scheduled to take place from 29th December 2025 to 16th January 2026 in Dimani, Zanzibar, this year fair carries an ambitious vision, to make Zanzibar not only a regional but also a global trade and investment destination.
Overview of the event
Unique Touch Co. Ltd. proudly stewards the Zanzibar International Trade Fair (ZITF), having been selected as organizer through a formal agreement. “After the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on 27 September 2025, we embarked on a renewed and dynamic chapter for ZITF,” said Mr. Edwin George, Founder & CEO of Unique Touch.
Now entering its 12th year, ZITF has long served as a catalyst for economic growth across sectors such as tourism, technology, education, real estate, manufacturing, and trade. Under the leadership of Unique Touch, the fair is positioned as a powerful platform for innovation, investment, and networking—reaching beyond Zanzibar to engage regional and international markets alike.
Theme and focus areas
This edition of the Zanzibar International Trade Fair (ZITF) centers on a forward thinking theme: “Building Inclusive Growth through Business and Innovation.” Important among its features are specialty days dedicated to one on one interaction between mentors, investors, and panelists, ensuring that knowledge exchange lies at the heart of the fair.
The upcoming fair welcomes a diverse lineup of participants —local and international exhibitors, investors, trade associations, government institutions, and private enterprises — all showcasing a wide array of products and services.
“We have assembled an impressive array of thought leaders this year,” George adds, “and ZITF 2025 2026 expects major investors and groundbreaking innovators to bring the walls of the exhibition halls to life.” Over 10,000 regional and global visitors are anticipated, offering a high value audience for both exhibitors and policymakers.
Fatma Mabrouk Khamis, Principal Secretary Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development-Zanzibar, addressing journalists and invited guests during a press conference on the preparations for the Zanzibar International Trade Fair 2025/2026.
Key opportunities
For exhibitors, the ZITF fair promises outstanding opportunity. It offers major brand exposure, the potential for direct sales, and access to new customer segments. Onsite orders combined with meaningful interactions with visitors deliver momentum that can fuel business growth well beyond the event itself.
“This fair spotlights investment ready projects, many supported by generous government incentives and progressive policy frameworks,” he added. Investors will find compelling fresh opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism, and technology.
Purpose and objectives
The Zanzibar International Trade Fair (ZITF) is deeply anchored in Zanzibar’s long term vision. “ZITF is central to realising Zanzibar’s Vision 2050 and the Trade Policy,” affirms Principal Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development, Fatma Mabrouk Khamis.
She explains that these frameworks mandate “sector based trade promotion, enhanced industrialisation through local processing and value addition, as well as export development and trade diversification.”
Under this vision, ZITF 2025–2026 is perfectly aligned with broader economic goals. It will enhance policy visibility, boost non tax revenues via permits, registration fees, and sponsorships, and create new avenues for visibility, contracts, and scalable growth.
“Through ZITF, these aims are made operational by highlighting light manufacturing and agro processing, promoting local products to global markets, connecting exporters with buyers and regulators, and encouraging the uptake of packaging and certification standards,” she adds.
The fair aims to project Zanzibar as a premier business and investment destination — facilitating market access for local and regional enterprises, accelerating industrialisation, boosting exports, and diversifying trade.
Infrastructure and facilities
Under the direction of Unique Touch Co. Ltd., the Dimani fairgrounds have been completely transformed ahead of ZITF 2025 2026. “From a capacity of 200 booths in 2024, the venue now boasts 619 upgraded booths, categorised into sectoral zones,” remarks Sarah Salenia, COO of Unique Touch. These booths are fully customisable, featuring modern interior and exterior finishes, designed to help exhibitors stand out in style and presence.
The fair offers versatile participation options. Exhibitors may choose between standard or premium booth packages, with customisation choices tailored to showcase their brands in the best possible light. Sponsorship options are also tiered — offering varied levels of visibility through event promotions, branding platforms, and media exposure. It’s the perfect setup for organisations seeking alignment with Zanzibar’s growth vision and a chance to make a lasting impression.
But ZITF offers more than appearances — it delivers real social and economic impact. As Salenia explains, “SMEs and artisans tap direct sales, build leads, and expand markets, while Zanzibar’s trade and transport sector (18.3 % of GDP, growing ~7.1 %) is further reinforced.”
Located just 20 km from from Stone Town, the fair grounds are easily accessible. The site will be equipped with essential infrastructure: stable electricity, water supply, internet, and conference facilities, all to international standards.
Edwin George, Founder & CEO of Unique Touch Company Limited, addresses joumalists and invited guests during a press conference on various issues related to the Zanzibar International Trade Fair 2025/2026.
Program and activities
ZITF 2025-2026 features exhibit booths and product showcases, panel discussions, seminars, and workshops, pitch competitions and innovation showcases, B2B matchmaking sessions, mentorship programs for youth, cultural and entertainment activities highlighting Zanzibar’s vibrant heritage
This multi-layered program ensures that the fair is not just a marketplace, but a dynamic environment for learning, networking, and celebrating innovation.
Join the Zanzibar International Trade Fair 2025! Whether you’re an innovator with a new product, a business seeking exposure, an investor scouting for opportunities, or a government stakeholder looking to engage, ZITF is your platform.
Participation is open to exhibitors, sponsors, partners, and visitors. To register your interest and explore booth options, sponsorship tiers, deadlines, and full contact details, please visit www.zitf.or.tz and secure your place in Zanzibar’s most anticipated business showcase.
Let’s build a future where Zanzibar thrives as a beacon of trade, innovation, and culture.
Marketing Specialist (Market Research, Brand Strategy & Management)
