Blockchain network operator World Mobile, in partnership with The eGovernment Agency of Zanzibar (eGAZ), has announced the launch of free-metered WiFi internet access across the public domain.

According to the partners, internet coverage will include all state agencies, Ministries, local Government offices, bus stops, the airport, ports, fish markets, municipal offices/markets, municipal/state housing estates, hospitals/clinics, and any other public facing government institutions.

The development is part of World Mobile’s ambition to provide connectivity to all of Zanzibar’s population by the end of 2023.

In the first 60 days, the partnership will aim to connect the airport, ports and properties owned by the National Housing Corporation of Zanzibar within the main island of Unguja.

The partners add that this is the first stage of an ambitious partnership and five-year plan which they claim will drastically boost Zanzibar’s GDP.

The plan includes a Blockchain Centre of Excellence, an eGov solution providing digital identities and integration with government systems, revolutionising the Blue Economy (enhancing how the local fishing economy works) and then taking this enhanced business approach to other industries.

Micky Watkins, CEO of World Mobile, said, “Zanzibar is on its path to becoming Africa’s blockchain hub, and we are thrilled to help make it a reality, sending ripple effects across the region. Together with IOG, our efforts to connect the unconnected will enhance Zanzibar’s economy in multiple ways.”

Said Seif Said, Director General of Zanzibar’s E-Government Agency added: “We are excited to shine a spotlight on Zanzibar’s emerging potential as the technology and blockchain centre of the future, starting with providing connectivity to people and businesses in the region. On this, we will build innovative new ways of conducting local government and boosting businesses, and we are looking forward to reaping the fruits of this spectacular initiative.”

RJ Katunda, CXO of World Mobile also added: “We are here in Zanzibar to listen, learn and assist, and with that mantra we already have an agreement with the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training in Zanzibar whereby we have been given access to all government owned schools and Educational Institutions to install internet connectivity. This will allow the schools to directly communicate through the EMIS system to the ministry and at the same time act as a World Mobile Node where the schools will earn a revenue share from all users connected to the node. This not only solves the connectivity issues for the schools, it also creates a new source of revenue for them.”