In a bid to improve the living standards of the people, the Zanzibar Housing Corporation (ZHC) is planning to implement the 3,600 affordable homes project in different areas, targeting low and middle income families.

This initiative comes as Zanzibar is currently experiencing sharp increase of housing demands, driven by a combination of population growth, urbanization, increasing foreign investments and various economic activities.

The project will involve the construction of 3,000 homes in Chumbuni, 24 in Kiembe Samaki, 500 in Kisakasaka, 120 in Nyamanzi, as well as other locations.

The plan was unveiled recently by the Minister of State, President's Office for Economy and Investment, Sharif Ali Sharif, during the inauguration of residential and commercial buildings at Darajani Mnadani area in Unguja.

The minister stated that after the 1964 revolution, citizens of Zanzibar were provided with better and safer housing under the leadership of first President Abeid Amani Karume.

He said these efforts have been carried forward by his successors to the currently eighth phase in order to achieve the goals of ensuring decent shelter for the people of Zanzibar.

He noted that the 1964 revolution brought significant changes to the archipelago islands, as people were previously living in mud houses.

“The government has prioritized four key areas, including social services, infrastructure, tourism, and the blue economy,” Sharif said.

Sharif commended the corporation for executing these housing projects and improving the lives of citizens.

The government of Zanzibar estimates a housing deficit of 60,000–80,000 units, with affordable housing forming a significant part of this gap.

The Deputy Minister for Land and Housing, Salha Muhammed Mwinjuma, said the CCM Party Manifesto directs the construction of 120 new houses and the renovation of 300 existing ones.

The Director of the Zanzibar Housing Corporation, Sultani Said, stated that they are focused on building more affordable houses for citizens in the near future.

Zanzibar’s population is currently growing at around 3.1 percent annually, with a high concentration of people in urban areas such as Stone Town and its surrounding suburbs, which has increased pressure on housing infrastructure, particularly for low- and middle-income residents.

The influx of high-end tourism investments has shifted attention to luxury developments, leaving a gap in housing solutions for the local working-class population.

Also, the rapid migration of people from rural areas to urban centers, particularly Stone Town and its surrounding areas, has intensified housing shortages in urban zones. 

Many new migrants are also currently struggling to afford formal housing options, leading to increased demand for affordable alternatives.

Economically, a large proportion of Zanzibar’s population earns low wages, particularly those employed in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and informal trade, limiting their ability to afford housing in the private market, pushing demand for subsidized or low-cost homes.

Currently, the real estate market in Zanzibar has prioritized high-return investments such as hotels and luxury villas, leaving limited attention to affordable housing projects.

To cater for the need for shelter, the Zanzibar government has initiated programs to provide affordable housing, such as allocating land for low-cost residential developments and partnering with private developers.

The government says with the continued growth in population and urbanization, the demand for affordable housing in Zanzibar will likely intensify.