Zanzibar Business Award 2025/2026

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Zanzibar Business Awards 2026 aims to recognize and celebrate outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators driving economic growth, innovation, and social impact in Zanzibar. The program seeks to inspire excellence, foster healthy competition, and elevate Zanzibar’s business ecosystem locally and internationally.

• Execution Period: January, 2026
• Venue: Golden:  Golden Tulip, Airport-Zanzibar
• Target Participants: Businesses, SMEs, startups, women entrepreneurs, and young business leaders in Zanzibar
• Expected Outcome: Increased business visibility, stronger business networks, and recognition for outstanding achievements

OBJECTIVES

1. Recognize and reward business excellence in Zanzibar.
2. Promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable business practices.
3. Strengthen the reputation of Zanzibar as a business-friendly and investment-ready destination.
4. Inspire emerging entrepreneurs through role models and success stories.
5. Encourage corporate social responsibility and community engagement.

AWARD CATEGORIES (15)

🏆 Overall Excellence

1. Business of the Year
2. Best Small & Medium Enterprise (SME)
3. Start-up of the Year
4. Zanzibar Brand of the Year
5. Lifetime Achievement in Business
   
   

💡 Innovation, Sustainability & Future Growth

1. Innovation & Technology Award
2. Green Energy & Sustainability Award
3. Blue Economy Business Award

🌍 Sector-Specific Excellence

1. Agribusiness Excellence Award
2. Export & Trade Excellence Award
3. Financial Services & Fintech Award
4. Best Bank Award
5. Telecommunications Excellence Award
6. Manufacturing & Industrial Excellence Award
7. Logistics & Transport Award
8. Education & Training Services Award
9. Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Excellence Award
10. Real Estate & Construction Award

🏝 Tourism & Hospitality Categories

1. Excellence in Tour Operations

2. Excellence in Hospitality (Hotels, Lodges & Resorts)

3. Excellence in Tourist Attractions & Recreations 

4. Excellence in Restaurants & Cafés

👥 People & Leadership

1. Women in Business Leadership Award
2. Young Entrepreneur of the Year
3. Business Leader of the Year

❤️ Impact & Responsibility

1. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Sustainability Award
2. Customer Service Award

NOMINATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Step 1: Call for Nominations

• Launch a public nomination campaign online, in newspapers, radio, and social media.
• Clear instructions and eligibility criteria for each category.

Step 2: Submission

• Businesses can self-nominate or be nominated by third parties.
• Submit nomination forms with: company profile, achievements, innovation highlights, and supporting documents.

Step 3: Verification & Shortlisting

• Verification of submitted documents and eligibility.
• Panel of independent judges evaluates based on performance, innovation, community impact, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

Step 4: Public Announcement & Voting

• Shortlisted nominees are announced publicly.
• Optional “People’s Choice Award” via online voting.

Step 5: Award Ceremony

• Winners announced during the gala event.
• Awards include trophies, certificates, and media recognition.

PROGRAM TIMELINE (AUGUST 2025 – JANUARY 2026)

Month/Week	Activity
September & October	Crafting and finalizing idea
	Seeking of Partners, Guests & Sponsors
November	Logistics Finalization
December	Press conference Open call for nominations
	Submission of nominations & supporting documents
	Verification & evaluation by judging panel
	Shortlist announcement & public voting (if applicable)
	Media coverage, nominee profiling, and sponsor engagements
January	Final judging and selection of winners
	Zanzibar Business Awards Gala & Ceremony

TARGET AUDIENCE

• Established businesses and startups in Zanzibar
• SMEs and entrepreneurs
• Women in business
• Young entrepreneurs (<35 years)
• Investors, partners, and government representatives

MARKETING & PROMOTION PLAN

Channels:

• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Newspapers & Radio (local Zanzibar media)
• Email campaigns & business networks
• TV and press coverage during and after the event

Materials:

• Event banners, brochures, nomination forms, press kits, social media graphics

JUDGING PANEL

• Composeds of business experts, academics, government representatives, and industry professionals.
• Transparent scoring system based on:
  • Business growth and performance (30%)
  • Innovation and creativity (20%)
  • Community and social impact (20%)
  • Sustainability and CSR (15%)
  • Customer satisfaction and brand reputation (15%)

EXPECTED IMPACT

1. Strengthened business ecosystem in Zanzibar.
2. Increased recognition for innovative and socially responsible businesses.
3. Enhanced investor confidence and business networking opportunities.
4. Motivated emerging entrepreneurs to scale and innovate.
5. Positive media coverage promoting Zanzibar as a thriving business hub.

MONITORING & EVALUATION

1. Track nominations received and participation rates.
2. Collect feedback from participants and attendees.
3. Evaluate media coverage, social media engagement, and public voting impact.
4. Document winners’ post-award business growth for future benchmarking.

The Zanzibar Business Awards 2025 is a strategic initiative to celebrate and promote excellence in Zanzibar’s business landscape. By recognizing innovators, entrepreneurs, and socially responsible enterprises, the program will inspire growth, strengthen networks, and position Zanzibar as a leading business hub in the region.

For Sponsorship or Partnership Contributions, kindly make payments through the following bank details:

Bank Name: PBZ Bank | Account Number: 0978340001

Account Name: Braincom Consulting Company Limited

 

For any clarification, more information, or partnership opportunities, please contact us at:  +255 754 821 386, +255 714 123 840, +255 744 118 418 or email zba@braincom.co.tz.