September 22, 2025

Fresh academics

India’s best university has produced the first class of graduates in Zanzibar. “Salemalaikum” and “Namaste” were two greetings heard during the festive ceremony celebrating the successful ending of the first master’s class by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) Zanzibar. The institute opened in Fumba in November 2023. 16 graduates received their degrees in data science and artificial intelligence. “It’s a milestone for us”, remarked director Preeti Aghalayam in the presence of education minister Leila Mussa who commented: “The first alumni not only earned a degree but laid the foundation for many more students to come.” Established in 1959, the IIT Madras offers bachelor and master studies in data science and AI, chemical processing and engineering and – fittingly for Zanzibar – in ocean structure.

Information: iitmz.ac.in

January 5, 2026

NOW & THEN

He captured the Dalai Lama on camera, visiting heads of state and everything, Zanzibar: Ramish Rohit T. Oza, here photographed between two elephants in 1975. A few weeks ago, his Capital Art photo studio was evicted from Stone Town, making way for yet another boutique hotel. The photographer wasn’t there to protect his longtime home

December 15, 2025

Stone Town’s new Glitz Garden

Dubai-style renovation completed padel court. An eyesore for nearly two decades – with a collapsed sea wall and little remaining grass – the Africa House Garden has finally been thoroughly modernised. Too thoroughly? Why the premier sundowner spot in town, right by the sea along the promenade of Shangani, would need a padel court, is

December 15, 2025

Greater Fumba’s Mega Makeover

35,500-seat stadium, “Gucci mall”, and university reshape the peninsula EXCLUSIVE Zanzibar’s biggest public-private development is happening right now in Fumba. A soccer stadium, a high-end mall and other futuristic facilities are taking shape on the south-western peninsula. Mostly hidden from public view, the spectacular construction is bound to change the face of the island forever.

November 14, 2025

Two Perfect Weekend Escapes

Travel tips for 48 hours in Nungwi and the East Coast North There’s nothing like a change of scenery – even in beautiful Zanzibar. With lots of new places and improved roads, it’s time to explore. Zanzibar’s two most noteworthy coastlines – the North with Nungwi and Kendwa, and the South-East with about 30 km

November 4, 2025

The LUXURY Race: Who wins?

Should Zanzibar become like the Maldives? The government says yes. Names of newly planned high-class tourism attractions come up constantly. Three ventures seem to stand the best chance of realization – we have checked in with their creators. The Burj: World’s tallest timber tower The highest-priced units were gone first. If you have been

October 27, 2025

Can a pool be ECO-FRIENDLY?

For 25 years, Blue Oyster hotel, one of the oldest and greenest family hotels in Zanzibar, had no pool for environmental reasons. Now they do. How does that add up? Among the biggest environmental concerns in Zanzibar is high water usage by tourists and hotels; village wells have run dry because of too many hotels

October 20, 2025

“My island is fascinating”

My Zanzibar In this column, THE FUMBA TIMES asks residents and prominent fans of the island to show us Zanzibar through their eyes – from personal happy places to must-try-restaurants and standout attractions. This time we present insider tips by none other than Zanzibar’s Tourism Minister, Mudrik R. Soraga Tourism Minister: Hon. Mudrik R. Soraga

October 13, 2025

Crafting the future together

Neema: built on empathy and good taste Looking for cosy cushions, stylish lamp shades or casual furniture for your home? Once you spot the label “Neema”, don’t go any further. In Iringa’s ochre-light afternoons, a low hum of looms, lathes and laughter spills from Neema Crafts – a workshop where modern Tanzanian design is crafted

October 6, 2025

The DJ with a band: DJ Kassim taking Zanzibar by storm

When turntables alone started boring him, he looked for some musicians. And formed Zanzibar’s best band. We have a date and he is punctual to the minute. We have been wondering where to do the interview, and he has prepared a comfortable setting in his mini bus taking us to his beach gig at