home for startups and innovators

empowering Zanzibar's startup ecosystem

The Zanzibar Startup Association (ZSA) is a member-based organization committed to building a thriving, inclusive startup ecosystem across the islands.

We bring together entrepreneurs, investors, enablers, and policymakers to champion innovation, advocate for startup-friendly policies, and empower local founders to turn bold ideas into sustainable ventures.

Founded to address the unique challenges facing startups in Zanzibar from limited access to finance and infrastructure gaps to regulatory barriers we act as a collective voice and support hub for emerging businesses. Our work is grounded in collaboration, community, and the belief that entrepreneurship can drive economic transformation in Zanzibar and beyond.

get to know us

policy & advocacy

ZSA represents startup voices in policymaking and advocating for a better business environment in Zanzibar.

Startup support

We use the ecosystem to help early-stage startups with mentorship, incubation, and business development guidance.

capacity building

We organize training workshops, bootcamps and coaching sessions to build entrepreneurial and other skills.

Networking

Regular events, forums, and meetups connect startups with investors, mentors and fellow innovators.

what we do

Programs & Services

Funding Opportunities

highlights

Zanzibar to Host Landmark Tech & AI Expo this August

July 10, 2025

Zanzibar is set to host one of Africa’s most anticipated innovation gatherings next month—the Tech & AI International Expo 2025, taking place from August 22–23 at the Golden Tulip Resort near Zanzibar Airport. The event will bring together over 1,000 participants from across Africa and beyond, including tech founders, investors, researchers, policymakers, and AI professionals. The […]

Growing Startup Ecosystem in Tanga

June 13, 2025

On June 11, 2025, Zanzibar Startup Association participated in the Mawimbi Summit 2025 at Hotel Slipway, hosted by INCO under the Mawimbi Program. The summit gathered entrepreneurs, business support organizations from Tanga, SmartLab, and key stakeholders from Dar es Salaam to discuss the importance of empowering rural entrepreneurship in Tanzania. Zanzibar Startup Association contributed as a panelist, sharing insights on decentralizing entrepreneurship […]

CSO Week 2025

June 9, 2025

Zanzibar Startup Association at CSO Week 2025 Theme: Pathways to Progress Date: 2nd–6th June 2025 Zanzibar Startup Association (ZSA) had the privilege of representing Zanzibar’s vibrant and emerging startup ecosystem at CSO Week 2025, Tanzania’s premier civil society platform. Held under the powerful theme “Pathways to Progress,” this year’s event brought together changemakers from civil society, public institutions, startups, […]

Africa Governance Internet Forum

June 6, 2025

On May 30th, 2025, Zanzibar Startup Association (ZSA) was honored to be officially invited to the AfIGF 2025 Side Event, co-hosted by THN and GIZ Tanzania. This exclusive gathering brought together 30 influential stakeholders across Africa to engage in high-level dialogue around digital inclusion, with a focus on empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities through […]

News & updates

our partners

By connecting policy-makers, businesses, universities, donors, incubators, and investors, we create an enabling environment that supports the launch, growth, and sustainability of startups in Zanzibar.

Ikram Soraga CEO - ZSA