Zanzibar appoints ex Oman envoy as ‘ambassador of investments’

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar State Minister in the Office of the President for Labour, Economy and Investments, Mr Sharif Ali Sharif, has appointed Dr Mohammed Hamed Saif Al Rumhy, a former Minister in the Omani government, as the Ambassador of Investments for Middle Eastern countries.

Mr Sharif made this announcement during a recent visit to Oman, where he and Dr Rumhy discussed strategies to attract investors, particularly in the energy sector, from Oman and other Middle Eastern nations to establish businesses in Zanzibar.

Leading a delegation that included Zanzibar’s Minister of Trade and Industrial Development, Mr Omar Said Shaaban, Mr Sharif praised Dr Rumhy for agreeing to promote Zanzibar as an ideal investment destination abroad.

Dr Rumhy was selected for this role due to his extensive networking experience, having served as Oman’s Minister for Energy and Minerals. His deep connections and knowledge in the field are expected to greatly benefit Zanzibar.

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“This appointment aims to strengthen the historical and strategic relations between Zanzibar and Oman, while enhancing efforts to attract investors to the islands,” Mr Sharif stated.

In his new role, Dr Rumhy will be responsible for engaging with investors and stakeholders in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond.

“Using his expertise and connections, he will highlight the unique investment opportunities available in Zanzibar, underscoring the strategic advantages of investing in this region,” Mr Sharif explained.

Mr Sharif believes that Dr Rumhy’s involvement will significantly contribute to Zanzibar’s development goals and accelerate the islands’ economic growth.

He noted that this appointment is a direct outcome of President Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s visit to Oman in 2022, which was followed by Dr Rumhy’s visit to Zanzibar. During that visit, Dr Rumhy expressed his desire to utilise his knowledge and experience to assist Zanzibar after his retirement.

It is noteworthy that Dr Rumhy was born on the island of Pemba and began his education there before moving to Oman at the age of 14. He is highly respected in Oman and served in the Ministry of Energy and Minerals for 24 consecutive years until his recent retirement.

In 2017, he led a delegation that conveyed messages and greetings from the late King Qaboos to Zanzibar, travelling via the Fulk Al Salaam ship, which anchored at the port of Malindi.