MARINE conservation, and gender equality are the focus of two agreements that the Zanzibar government yesterday signed with the European Union (EU), valued at 40.8bn/-.

Riziki Pembe Juma, the Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children minister presided at the signing, alongside Rita Laranjinha, the European External Action Service (EEAS) managing director for Africa, and Hans Stausboll, the acting director for Africa at the European Commission,

The agreements have further strengthened EU partnership with Zanzibar, in underscoring the EU’s strategic focus on fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development, the lead director stated.

The initiatives include enhanced funding for the seashore emvironment project, a key component of the EU’s Team Europe initiative for the blue economy, as well as a renewed commitment to the gender transformative action programme, she stated.

The first agreement, valued at 32bn/- (€11m), is dedicated to marine conservation via the seashore project, part of an initiative implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

It is intended to address critical challenges such as protecting marine resources, promoting sustainable fishing practices and tackling plastic pollution, along with empowering local communities, she said, noting that envisaged initiatives include creating sustainable economic opportunities while safeguarding Zanzibar’s rich marine biodiversity.

The second agreement, allocating an additional 8.8bn/- (€3m), focuses on expanding the EU’s gender transformative action programme in Zanzibar, implemented by UN Women and the gender portfolio in the cabinet. 

It is intended to eliminate barriers too realising women’s rights, enhance women’s leadership roles across public platforms and the private sector, stressing girls’ education at tertiary level, she further noted.

 “These agreements demonstrate the EU’s unwavering commitment to Zanzibar’s long-term development, from fostering sustainable marine practices to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment,” the director stated.

EI Commission executive Stausboll underlined that the partnership exemplifies the EU’s broader mission to deliver tangible, long-term benefits for all Zanzibaris. This will contribute to shared prosperity, sustainability and social inclusion, he stated

The top EU officials’ visit to Zanzibar is part of a broader engagement with Tanzania, as prior to the signing ceremony, they held talks with President Mwinyi. 

The agreements are aligned with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which focuses on high-quality, sustainable investments designed to meet the needs of partner countries and ensure lasting positive impact, they told the Isles leader.