By connecting underserved regions with reliable internet access, upskilling youth and educators, and fostering innovation-driven enterprises, the project will lay the foundation for a digitally inclusive and economically vibrant Zanzibar.
Project Vision:
To establish Zanzibar as a model digital society in East Africa, where every citizen has the tools, knowledge, and access to thrive in the 21st-century digital economy.
Key Objectives:
Expand Digital Infrastructure:
- Deploy high-speed internet across 50+ underserved schools, health centers, and rural communities.
- Establish 20 solar-powered community digital hubs.
Enhance Digital Literacy & Education:
- Train 5,000 students and 500 teachers in digital skills, coding, and online safety.
- Develop e-learning platforms in Kiswahili and English for primary and secondary education.
Empower Youth and Entrepreneurs:
- Launch a Digital Startup Incubator to support 100 local tech-based startups over 3 years.
- Provide seed grants, mentorship, and global market access.
Promote E-Government & Public Services:
- Develop citizen-access portals for health, education, and local governance.
- Train 200 civil servants in digital tools and data-driven policymaking.
Target Beneficiaries:
- Over 200,000 residents across Unguja and Pemba islands.
- Rural youth, women, educators, entrepreneurs, and government workers.
Project Duration:
36 months (3 years)
Implementation Partners:
- Zanzibar Ministry of Education & Vocational Training.
- Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications & Transport.
- Local NGOs and international tech partners (e.g., Cisco, Google for Education)
Sustainability Plan:
- Revenue from community hub services (printing, training, co-working)
- Public-private partnerships (PPPs) for long-term maintenance
- Local capacity building and ownership models
Budget Summary (Estimated)
| Budget Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Digital Infrastructure (Wi-Fi, hubs, solar) | $1,200,000 |
| Education & Training Programs | $500,000 |
| Startup Incubator & Grants | $400,000 |
| E-Government Platform Development | $300,000 |
| Monitoring & Evaluation | $150,000 |
| Project Staff and Administration | $250,000 |
| Communications & Community Outreach | $100,000 |
| Contingency (10%) | $290,000 |
| Total Estimated Budget | $3,190,000 |
Outcomes & Impact:
- 80% increase in digital literacy among targeted schools
- 70% improved access to public services online
- 100+ tech-enabled jobs created
- Stronger resilience and inclusion in the digital economy
Implementation Timeline
| Phase | Duration | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Planning & Pilot | 6 months | Feasibility studies, stakeholder consultations, pilot Wi-Fi and smart classrooms |
| Phase 2: Infrastructure Rollout | 12 months | Internet deployment, hub construction, equipment procurement |
| Phase 3: Training & Launch | 6 months | Educator training, healthcare worker digital skills, public launch |
| Phase 4: Monitoring & Expansion | 12 months | Evaluation, scale-up to additional areas, policy integration |
Expected Impact
- Reach 500,000+ beneficiaries across Zanzibar.
- Improve digital literacy for 250,000 youth and adults.
- Boost rural business income by 30% via digital market access.
- Reduce travel for medical consultations by 60% through telehealth.
- Contribute to Zanzibar’s 2040 Digital Economy Vision.
Call to Action:
Join us in building a Connected Zanzibar.
Whether you're a donor, investor, tech partner, or policy maker — your support will help build a future where no one is left behind.