Zanzibar’s bold move to hike import taxes on chicken has sparked a heated debate across markets, dinner tables, and farming communities.
Unveiled in the 2025/2026 national budget, Finance and Planning Minister Dr. Saada Salum Mkuya announced that duties on imported chicken and fish will more than triple, jumping from TSh 300 to TSh 1,000 per kilogram. The government says the aim is to boost local production, protect domestic farmers, and generate TSh 7.25 billion to support economic development.
But while the policy has won applause from farmer associations and some local producers, it’s causing anxiety among small-scale traders and consumers who fear one thing: chicken could soon be off the menu for many low-income households.
A Double-Edged Sword?
For thousands of Zanzibaris, chicken is not just a staple—it’s a lifeline for daily nutrition. But with the new levy, prices are expected to rise sharply, straining already tight household budgets.
“This tax might help farmers, yes—but what about the families who can barely afford chicken now?” asked one market trader in Stone Town.
The government’s argument is clear: Cheap imports are stifling local producers. By making imported chicken more expensive, they hope to level the playing field and stimulate job creation and self-reliance in food production.
However, critics warn that the plan may backfire if Zanzibar’s local poultry industry can’t meet the surge in demand. The risk? Empty shelves, inflated prices, and a shift to lower-quality food options.
Traders Call for a Transition Period
Market vendors and importers are urging government to introduce the hike gradually, paired with support for local farmers. They argue that without investment in poultry infrastructure, feed supply, veterinary services, and storage facilities, the tax alone may hurt more than help.
“We’re not against supporting local farms,” said a poultry importer. “But you can’t build an industry overnight by punishing consumers.”
Beyond Chicken: A Broader Fiscal Shake-Up
The chicken tax is just one of several changes in Zanzibar’s new budget. Others include:
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Higher fuel levies
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Increased excise duties on alcohol
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A new infrastructure tax on bottled water
These are part of a wider effort to boost domestic revenue for roads, public services, and water projects.
The Road Ahead: Can Local Farmers Fill the Gap?
For this policy to succeed, experts say it must be matched with a comprehensive support strategy:
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Affordable poultry feed
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Cold chain logistics
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Training for small-scale farmers
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Better access to veterinary care and breeding programs
Without these pillars in place, raising taxes on imports may simply lead to higher food prices without building the resilient local industry the government envisions.
In the meantime, Zanzibaris are watching closely—balancing hope for local industry growth with concern about how these changes might affect what’s on their plates tomorrow.
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