By Business Insider Reporter, Chalinze
Tanzania’s Union is more than a political arrangement – it is a strategic economic asset that is accelerating investment, tourism and infrastructure development across the country, Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Eng. Hamad Yussuf Massauni, has said.
Speaking during a working visit to Chalinze in Bagamoyo District, Pwani Region, on Wednesday, Massauni described the Union as one of Tanzania’s greatest national assets and urged citizens to safeguard it, noting that its economic benefits are increasingly visible through major development projects linking mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
“The Union is something that should never be taken for granted. It is the foundation of our nation and a key driver of economic opportunities for both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar,” he said.
Massauni said the Union continues to create shared opportunities in sectors such as tourism, transport and trade by strengthening connectivity between the two sides of the country.
He cited the tourism industry as one of the biggest beneficiaries, explaining that visitors arriving in Zanzibar increasingly extend their itineraries to attractions on the mainland, including Saadani National Park and the historic town of Bagamoyo.
“The Union should continue to benefit both sides. A tourist visiting Zanzibar can easily combine that experience with destinations such as Bagamoyo and Saadani, creating greater value for the country’s tourism industry,” he said.
The minister also urged young people to use social media responsibly, warning against misinformation while encouraging them to exploit digital platforms to acquire business skills, identify investment opportunities and improve their entrepreneurial activities.
Chalinze emerging as an investment hub
Chalinze Member of Parliament and Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Ridhiwani Kikwete, said the area is undergoing rapid economic transformation, driven by improved infrastructure, effective leadership and close cooperation between government and local communities.
He said these factors have made Chalinze increasingly attractive to investors, contributing to sustained business growth and expanding economic activity.
“Chalinze is changing rapidly because of the significant investments in infrastructure and the strong partnership between leaders and residents. This has made the area a preferred destination for investors,” Kikwete said.
Bagamoyo’s strategic position
Pwani Regional Commissioner Abubakar Kunenge said Bagamoyo has become one of Tanzania’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, attracting both domestic and international investors.
He noted that the region also demonstrates the practical economic benefits of the Union, with regular movement of people, goods and businesses between Zanzibar and the mainland supporting commerce and tourism.
Kunenge revealed that plans are underway to construct a 100-kilometre railway linking Bagamoyo with the Kwala Dry Port, a project expected to strengthen cargo transportation and improve logistics for businesses operating in the area.
He also thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for ongoing strategic infrastructure projects, including the East African Highway and the Mlandizi–Maneromango Road, which he said will further enhance regional connectivity and lower transport costs.
The Regional Commissioner called on investors to establish more high-quality hotels in Bagamoyo, arguing that growing tourist arrivals and expanding investment activities have created increasing demand for accommodation and hospitality services.
He further appealed for Chalinze Town Council to be upgraded to municipal status, citing its growing population, expanding revenue base and rising economic significance. As Tanzania continues implementing its long-term development agenda, government leaders say the country’s enduring Union remains a critical platform for promoting integrated infrastructure, expanding tourism circuits and creating new investment opportunities across both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
