Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets President of Zanzibar

Agreement to provide Dh36.8 million in funding towards development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Zanzibar signed during meeting

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, receives Dr Ali Shein, President of Zanzibar, at Al Shati Palace. Rashed Al Mansoori / MinistrShow more

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, met Dr Ali Shein, President of Zanzibar on Saturday.

The pair had their meeting at Al Bahar Palace, where they discussed the relationship between the UAE and Zanzibar. They spoke of ways to increase investment, trade and tourism between the two countries, all the while enhancing ties.

Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE was prioritising its efforts to boost relations with Tanzania, Zanzibar and Africa generally to achieve development and prosperity, reported state news agency Wam.

Dr Shein thanked Sheikh Mohamed for the UAE's support for Zanzibar’s development and said he looked forward to his county learning from the Emirates' expertise through future projects.

During the meeting, an agreement was signed between the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and the Ministry of Finance and Planning of Tanzania to provide Dh36.8 million towards the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Zanzibar.

"The agreement will provide funding for about 2,000 expected projects to contribute to creating more than 9,000 new jobs for young people in Zanzibar in the coming period," said Hussain Al Nowais, chairman of the fund.

He said 35 per cent of the targeted projects will be for women, while the remaining will be available to all categories of citizens - especially those living in remote and poor areas. The agreement aims to enhance the living conditions of about 14 per cent of vulnerable sections in Zanzibar, Mr Al Nowais said.

Saturday's meeting was also attended by Reem Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Co-operation, Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary at the Crown Prince’s Court of Abu Dhabi, and Khalifa Al Marzouqi, UAE Ambassador to Tanzania.