Zanzibar's Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Dr Nasra Nassor Omar, launched JamboGo.Africa to expand employment, promote local businesses and increase government revenue through digital technology. The platform will connect tourists with hotels, tourism operators, event organisers, artists, designers and entrepreneurs, according to the minister. Dr Nasra urged small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, young people, artists and designers to use the platform to promote and sell their products and services.
The minister emphasised that local communities must benefit directly from tourism development rather than remain observers as economic opportunities expand in their areas. She highlighted that digital technology could improve transparency in tourism by enabling authorities to access accurate information about tourist arrivals and service provision, which could help reduce revenue leakages and increase government collections for social services including education and healthcare.
JamboGo.Africa Managing Director Mohamed Hassan Mitawi said the platform was established to address challenges facing local tourism operators by providing a modern technological solution. Tourists will be able to find accommodation, tickets, restaurants, transport, events and entertainment in one place, he explained.
The Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors, which has more than 700 members, welcomed the initiative. The Zanzibar National Chamber of Commerce also described JamboGo.Africa as an important initiative for promoting African-owned businesses.