Beer crisis in Zanzibar: Tourism minister resigns

In Zanzibar, an African country that generates approximately 90% of its foreign income from tourism, there is a 'beer shortage.'

A sudden change among importers has disrupted the supply chain, resulting in a 100% increase in beer prices.

Hoteliers warned that issues related to alcohol supply could detract from the island's appeal to tourism.

Along the northeastern coast of Unguja, the main island of Zanzibar, in the Matemwe area, hotels lining the coast were reported to have run out of alcoholic beverages. While hotels are forced to serve non-alcoholic beverages, tourists are said to have to go to the city center to find alcohol.

"GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION"

Speaking to the BBC, one business owner said, "My bar is running out of beers, and all I have left is non-alcoholic drinks. The government needs to take action. We're in the summer season, the weather is very hot, and these tourists need cold beer on the beaches."

An American tourist, who preferred not to share their name, said, "I love Zanzibar and its beaches. The people here are wonderful. The only challenge I feel is not being able to have a stiff drink. I want to get an alcoholic drink, but there's nothing in the hotel. They told me I have to order from the city center."

HOW DID THE CRISIS BEGIN?

In a country where the majority of the population is Muslim, alcoholic beverages are only sold in tourist areas.

Most of the alcohol sold in the country is imported from Tanzania, with some coming from South Africa. The crisis began when the authorized body responsible for alcohol control in the country delayed the permits of three importers at the beginning of the year. It's unclear why the licenses of companies that have been supplying alcohol to the island for a long time were not renewed.

Although the relevant institution granted licenses to three different companies, it was noted that these companies struggled to meet the demands of hoteliers.

TOURISM MINISTER RESIGNS

While it is stated that more than 3,000 people in the country could lose their jobs due to the crisis, Tourism Minister Simai Muhammed Said resigned citing 'negative working conditions.'

Said's resignation is believed to be related to his statement accusing the relevant state institution of 'mismanaging the alcohol industry.'

According to reports in the country's press, Said stated, "If we do not plan, including having enough alcoholic beverage stock, we will disappoint our visitors."

Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi alleged that Said had a conflict of interest. According to the allegation, one of the companies whose licenses were not renewed had a relationship with Said's relative.

ECONOMY BASED ON TOURISM AND SPICES

Located across the bay from Tanzania in East Africa, Zanzibar consists of a total of 54 islands. The archipelago, dominated by a tropical climate, has two main islands: Unguja Island, where Stone Town is located, and Pemba Island, where clove spice trade is conducted. The economy is based on spice production and tourism, with a population of approximately 1.5 million. The official language of the island is Swahili, but English and Arabic are also spoken languages.