The Zanzibar Seaweed Company is a Government-owned entity established under the Companies Act Number 15 of 2013. The company was officially registered on January 17, 2022, with the registration number Z0000137114.
The Zanzibar Seaweed Company operates as an independent entity under the Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development Zanzibar, and is managed based on the shares held by its stakeholders. These stakeholders are the Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) with 25%, the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) with 11%, the Zanzibar State Trading Corporation (ZSTC) with 13%, and the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) with 51%.
Why ZASCO was Established?
The Zanzibar Seaweed Company was established to harness the immense potential of seaweed as a valuable natural resource while aligning with the blue economy agenda championed by the President of Zanzibar and the Chairman of the Revolutionary Council His Excellency Hussein Ali Mwinyi. Our mission is to create a sustainable and thriving seaweed industry that contributes to the economic, social, and environmental well-being of Zanzibar.
Supporting the Blue Economy Agenda
The blue economy is a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s development strategy, emphasizing the sustainable use of ocean resources to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and preserve marine ecosystems. The Zanzibar Seaweed Company plays a vital role in this vision by investing in the seaweed industry, a key sector within the blue economy, and unlocking its potential for Zanzibar’s prosperity.
Investing in the Seaweed Value Chain
To ensure long-term growth and competitiveness, the company is committed to investing in the entire seaweed value chain—from cultivation to processing and marketing. By introducing innovative technologies, improving infrastructure, and fostering partnerships, we aim to produce high-quality seaweed products that meet international standards and capture global market opportunities.
Empowering Seaweed Communities
Seaweed farming is a lifeline for many communities in Zanzibar, with over 85% of seaweed farmers being women. The company is dedicated to empowering these communities by offering training, access to resources, and fair market opportunities. By focusing on women’s empowerment, we contribute to gender equality, poverty reduction, and the overall social development of the region.
Environmental Stewardship
As stewards of the marine environment, we prioritize sustainable farming practices that protect Zanzibar’s delicate ecosystems. By balancing economic growth with ecological preservation, we ensure that seaweed cultivation benefits current and future generations.
In establishing the Zanzibar Seaweed Company, we are creating a model for sustainable development that showcases Zanzibar’s commitment to the blue economy, enhances the livelihoods of its people, and positions the island as a global leader in the seaweed industry.