HUSSEIN ALI MWINYI

Hussein Ali Mwinyi, born on December 23, 1966, in Unguja, has served as the 8th President of Zanzibar since his election in 2020. A member of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Mwinyi brings with him a legacy rooted in Tanzanian politics as the son of former Tanzanian president Ali Hassan Mwinyi. His journey to the presidency began in June 2020 when he entered the Zanzibari presidential race. In CCM’s primary elections, he successfully gained the party’s nomination, winning over key contenders including Shamsi Vuai Nahodha, the former Chief Minister of Zanzibar, and Dr. Khalid Mohamed, former Permanent Secretary for the Second Vice President. Mwinyi’s broad appeal among voters was evident as CCM’s National Executive Committee voted overwhelmingly in his favor. In a bid to promote transparency, the party televised the election live, reflecting Mwinyi's emphasis on integrity and public trust.

In the general election on October 28, 2020, Mwinyi won decisively, garnering 76.27 percent of the vote among a field of 14 candidates. The high voter turnout of 88 percent underscored widespread public engagement, although tensions emerged as opposition leader Seif Sharif Hamad organized protests in response to the results, citing allegations of irregularities. Despite these issues, the Zanzibar Electoral Commission assured the public that the election process was peaceful. The victory marked a continuation of CCM’s unbroken political dominance since Tanzanian independence in 1961, further solidifying Mwinyi's position as a central figure in Tanzanian politics.

As president, Mwinyi has focused on fighting corruption, a cause he championed during his campaign with a pledge to crack down on dishonest public officials. His administration has vigorously pursued this goal, overseeing numerous corruption cases through the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority (ZAECA). His proactive approach earned him the distinction of being the first Zanzibari president to personally visit ZAECA, highlighting his commitment to integrity in governance.

Mwinyi’s efforts toward economic development have included fostering growth within Zanzibar’s blue economy. In 2022, his government allocated 149 billion Tanzanian shillings (approximately 68 million USD) for initiatives aimed at enhancing the fishing sector, as well as setting up Zanzibar’s first Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries. His policies have encouraged local entrepreneurship by streamlining business permits, which can also serve as collateral for loans, thus empowering small business owners. While some critics initially questioned the feasibility of his economic initiatives, Zanzibar’s economy has shown significant growth, with quarterly GDP figures in 2021 surpassing those of the previous year.

A strong advocate for women’s rights, Mwinyi has taken steps to combat gender-based violence and empower women in leadership roles. He joined the United Nations’ HeForShe campaign, becoming the first African leader to participate, and was later recognized as a 2021 Champion for his efforts. Under his administration, the “Wanawake Wanaweze” initiative has promoted women’s political involvement. Mwinyi has also implemented stringent measures to address sexual offenses, including removing the option of bail for these cases, demonstrating his commitment to safeguarding women’s rights and well-being.

Mwinyi’s foreign relations, particularly with China, have been pivotal. Building on strong historical ties, he has fostered substantial investment and support from China, which is currently Zanzibar’s largest foreign investor, with over 7 billion USD in funds. Chinese contributions have bolstered Zanzibar’s healthcare system, providing medical aid, COVID-19 vaccines, and medical personnel who have served the archipelago over the past decade. These collaborations have strengthened the bonds between the two nations and contributed to Zanzibar’s social development.

Mwinyi values Zanzibar’s union with mainland Tanzania, advocating for a cooperative relationship that benefits both regions, particularly in commerce. His support for the union reflects a desire to preserve economic and social integration, which he believes is crucial for Zanzibar’s continued prosperity.

In his personal life, Mwinyi is married and a father to four children.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussein_Mwinyi