Overview
"Connected Zanzibar" is a transformative digital inclusion initiative designed to bridge the digital divide across the Zanzibar archipelago. Our mission is to empower communities through enhanced digital infrastructure, inclusive education, and sustainable economic opportunities.
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
- Deploy high-speed internet across 50+ underserved schools, health centers, and rural communities.
- Establish 20 solar-powered community digital hubs.
- 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.
- Launch a Digital Startup Incubator to support 100 local tech-based startups over 3 years.
- Provide seed grants, mentorship, and global market access.
- Develop citizen-access portals for health, education, and local governance.
- Train 200 civil servants in digital tools and data-driven policymaking.
1. Expand Digital Infrastructure:
2. Enhance Digital Literacy & Education:
3. Empower Youth and Entrepreneurs:
4. Promote E-Government & Public Services:
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 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.