The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has thanked the Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr. Giuseppe Sean Coppola, for continuing to strengthen and expand the historical and diplomatic relations between Zanzibar and Italy, focusing on cooperation in various sectors including tourism.
President Dr. Mwinyi said this, on April 20, 2026, when he met with the Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, Hon. Giuseppe Sean Coppola, who arrived at the State House in Zanzibar for special talks, accompanied by the Honorary Consul of Italy to Zanzibar, Stephano Totisco.
President Dr. Mwinyi said that the increase in flights by the Italian airline NEOS from three to five from June 2026, where the company is expected to connect the cities of Bari and Catania with Zanzibar through direct flights, will further strengthen the tourism sector in Zanzibar and increase the number of tourists visiting Zanzibar.
In addition, he said the Government is focused on improving historical sites used for concerts such as the Old Fortress, so Zanzibar is ready to host a music festival organized by the Italian Embassy in Tanzania. The festival will bring together indigenous musicians and dancers from Italy, aiming to further strengthen cultural ties between the two sides.
The Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, Hon. Giuseppe Sean Coppola, has congratulated President Dr. Mwinyi on the great achievements seen in Zanzibar, especially in strengthening key infrastructure including the construction and improvement of roads, schools and modern markets, measures that stimulate economic development and improve the lives of citizens.
Regarding the private sector, Ambassador Giuseppe Sean Coppola said that the European Union–Tanzania Business Forum expected to be held in Dar es Salaam next year, will have an agenda focused mainly on developing the agribusiness sector and digital transformation, along with other important areas of common interest.
The forum is expected to open up new investment opportunities, strengthen cooperation between the private sectors of both sides, promote trade and increase employment and the value of products.
THE PRESIDENT of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, speaking with the Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr. Giuseppe Sean Coppola, upon his arrival at State House Zanzibar for talks held at the State House Hall, April 20, 2026.
