Zanzibar Magazine officially launched its second volume, The Blue Economy Issue, in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), marking a major international moment for the publication and the stories of Zanzibar it was created to tell.

The new edition was unveiled at Sauti ya Mama, an immersive storytelling luncheon co-hosted by Zanzibar Magazine and WAJAMAMA, bringing together Zanzibari mothers, frontline leaders, maternal-health advocates, philanthropists and changemakers for an afternoon centred on maternal health, women’s voices and the momentum needed to change their story.

Through storytelling, live music, an exhibition and powerful discussions, Sauti ya Mama, “The Mother’s Voice”,  will brought the experiences of Zanzibari women into a global conversation, creating space not only for their stories to be heard, but for new connections, partnerships and action around maternal health and women’s wellbeing.

At the heart of Volume II is Her Excellency Mama Mariam Mwinyi, First Lady of Zanzibar and Founder and Chairperson of the Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF), who appears on the cover in a story exploring her work to improve the lives of women, children and communities across the islands.

Titled “Her Blue Economy,” the cover story explores a vision of Zanzibar’s Blue Economy that begins with the ocean but reaches far beyond it. Through Mama Mariam’s work with ZMBF, it follows the women who have cultivated seaweed in Zanzibar’s waters for generations and efforts to ensure they participate more fully in the value their labour creates, through improved production, quality, value addition, enterprise and access to markets.

The story also draws on Mama Mariam’s longstanding background in public health, connecting women’s economic independence with maternal health, nutrition, early childhood development and adolescent wellbeing.

Rosemary Kokuhilwa, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Zanzibar Magazine and co-host of Sauti ya Mama, said:

“Zanzibar Magazine was created to tell Zanzibar’s stories with the depth, beauty and ambition they deserve. Launching our second volume in New York during UNGA is an incredible milestone for us, but what makes it especially meaningful is what we are bringing with us: the voices of Zanzibar’s women, the work happening within our communities and a story of the Blue Economy that is ultimately about people.

This issue asks us to look at the ocean not only for the economic value it can create, but at how far that value can travel into people’s lives. Mama Mariam’s work through the Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation brings that conversation to life, connecting women’s economic empowerment with health, dignity and opportunity.”

Adding another significant moment to the New York launch, Zanzibar Magazine Volume II was also featured on a digital billboard in Times Square, placing the new cover and the story of Zanzibar’s Blue Economy before one of the world’s most international audiences.

The Times Square feature marks a striking moment for a publication launched in Zanzibar just months ago: taking an image and story rooted in the islands to the centre of New York City during one of the most globally significant weeks of the year.

The edition also carries an opening message from Hon. Shariff Ali Shariff, Minister of State, President’s Office – Labour, Economy and Investment, reflecting on the Blue Economy as one of the defining pillars of Zanzibar’s future and the importance of ensuring that economic transformation creates meaningful opportunities for its people.

Featured voices at Sauti ya Mama include Dr. Ellen Mkondya-Senkoro, CEO of Benjamin Mkapa Foundation; Hon. Zeyana Hamid, Member of Parliament and Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on HIV/AIDS; Isara Chaker, Founder and CEO of Every Pregnancy; João Abreu, Co-founder and Executive Director of ImpulsoGov; Esther Wang, Executive Advisor for Organizational Strategy and Management at The Elevate Prize Foundation; Khadija Shariff, Executive Director of Miele Zanzibar Foundation; Faisa Ali, CEO of Nuuma; Nafisa Jiddawi, Founder and CEO of WAJAMAMA and co-host of Sauti ya Mama; and Rosemary Kokuhilwa, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Zanzibar Magazine and co-host of Sauti ya Mama.

Zanzibar Magazine extends special thanks to the partners and sponsors helping make Sauti ya Mama possible, including Every Pregnancy, Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation and Nuuma Care.

Launched in June 2026, Zanzibar Magazine was created to tell the stories behind the destination, shining a light on its people, culture, heritage, creativity, entrepreneurship and ideas. Volume II turns its attention to the Blue Economy, exploring Zanzibar’s relationship with the Indian Ocean through the people, livelihoods, industries and innovations shaping its future.

Alongside its editorial work, Zanzibar Magazine is building a growing community of partners who share its belief in Zanzibar’s creative and economic potential. For the Blue Economy edition, the magazine has partnered with PIAGET, the Swiss luxury watch and jewellery Maison; PADDCO, a Zanzibar-based real estate developer; BRAVO COCO, a beachfront lifestyle and dining destination in Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian mainland. 

Together, these partnerships span luxury, real estate, lifestyle and hospitality, bringing brands and businesses with distinct perspectives into the wider story of Zanzibar’s growth and evolution. These collaborations form part of the magazine’s wider ambition to create a platform where storytelling, business and opportunity can come together around Zanzibar.

The New York launch marked another step in taking these stories beyond the islands and introducing a wider global audience to a contemporary Zanzibar shaped not only by its extraordinary natural beauty, but by its people, ideas and ambitions.