Mixed Reactions

Zanzibar follows Tanzania’s lead in turning to Tony Blair for help with its reform

By Abdul Halim, in Dar es Salaam

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Posted on October 25, 2021 16:36

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair leaves the BBC Headquarters after appearing on the Andrew Marr Show, in London
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London, Britain, June 6, 2021. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

Just like mainland Tanzania, the semi-autonomous region of Zanzibar has hired former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to help expedite the implementation of MKUZA, its 2025 policy plan of economic growth and poverty reduction. Public opinion over Blair’s involvement remains divided.

Following contact from the head of external communications of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, certain parts of this article have been updated.

Zanzibar’s MKUZA is aligned with the country’s development framework for 2050 that aims to achieve a lower middle-income status.

As per its mission statement, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change “supports political leaders and governments to build open, inclusive and prosperous societies in a globalised world. We do this through developing policy and advising governments.”

In keeping with this vision, Blair paid Zanzibar’s President Hussein Mwinyi an official visit on 30 September.

Following the meeting, State House released a statement stating that Blair had promised Mwinyi that he would support the government.

“Apart form investing in the blue economy sectors, the institute’s experts will also assist the government in social

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