Working with communities and partners to build an inclusive, prosperous Zanzibar — where women, young people and children have the opportunity to thrive.
Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF) is a nonprofit organisation founded by H.E. Mariam H. Mwinyi, First Lady of Zanzibar, and registered in July 2021 under the Zanzibar Societies Act No. 6 of 1995 (Registration No. Z0000119446). Operations began in February 2022.
Established to complement the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar's efforts to improve quality of life, ZMBF has grown through listening, learning and working alongside communities.
Our journey has moved from exploration to a more focused, evidence-based approach that connects economic empowerment, health, education and institutional resilience.
Locally led · Evidence driven · Partnership focused
We connect livelihoods and economic resilience with better nutrition, health and learning — supported by strong local institutions.
Supporting climate-smart Blue Economy livelihoods, stronger producer groups, value addition and market access.
Improving nutrition, early childhood development and access to comprehensive adolescent sexual and reproductive health services.
Building governance, financing and partnerships that allow community impact to continue well beyond individual projects.
These principles shape how we listen, decide, collaborate and deliver.
Communities participate in decisions, implementation and accountability.
Opportunities and services reach women, young people and marginalised groups.
Transparency, safeguarding and responsible stewardship.
Research, technology and evidence-based responses.
Working with government, civil society, academia, businesses and communities.
Better livelihoods create the conditions for better nutrition and learning, helping families become more resilient.
Stronger Blue Economy livelihoods
Healthier mothers and children
Better development and school outcomes
Greater opportunity and earning potential
Families better equipped for future shocks
Across all three pillars: gender equality and GBV prevention, climate adaptation, digital innovation, culture and indigenous knowledge, and research and learning.
Strategic Plan II reports that between 2021/22 and 2024/25 ZMBF reached more than 152,000 people directly and 120,000 indirectly through radio and community campaigns.
It also records support to 75 seaweed farming groups and training for 1,440 farmers, alongside community health, adolescent wellbeing and gender-based violence prevention initiatives.
These experiences inform the Foundation's 2026/27–2030/31 strategy: test what works, strengthen delivery and support lasting local ownership.
Figures are reported in ZMBF Strategic Plan II overview (July 2026); programme-specific outcomes should be read in their original reporting context.
Our programmes address the links between economic opportunity, health and wellbeing.
Community outreach, maternal health, adolescent SRHR, menstrual health, early childhood development and the Afya Bora, Maisha Bora campaign.
Seaweed value chains, SESEP, producer-group strengthening, livelihood diversification and market opportunities for women and youth.
“When you empower a woman you have empowered the family, society and the world at large.”From the welcoming message of H.E. Mariam H. Mwinyi, Founder and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees
Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF) is committed to advancing the wellbeing and prosperity of Zanzibar's communities. We bring people, partnerships and practical solutions together to create opportunities that endure. To advance socio-economic development in Zanzibar by empowering women, youth, adolescents, and children through innovative and evidence-based programmes.
Our work brings together health, education, protection and economic empowerment to address the needs of communities across Zanzibar.
Specific challenges identified in Blue Economy, especially in the seaweed value ...
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Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) management is vital to the empowerment and we...
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Women’s economic empowerment, livelihood diversification, financial inclusion...
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Community health outreach, screening, referrals, men engagement...
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Screen-to-treat delivery across North A/B and Wete, scaling nationwide with MMS ...
Explore Programme ↗Witness how our initiatives have transformed lives and communities, one story at a time. These narratives reflect the heart of our mission: making positive change happen. Through unwavering dedication, innovative thinking, and collaboration with like-minded partners, Our impact extends beyond mere statistics.
Violence against women reduced
Women reached
Join the organisations already shaping the health of 30,400+ Zanzibaris. Let's find the right partnership for your organisation.
