Zanzibar Seaweed Centre: Ultimate Guide to Seaweed Farming & Tours
Introduction to Seaweed Farming in Zanzibar
Seaweed farming in Zanzibar is deeply rooted in the island’s coastal heritage.
At the Mwani Zanzibar Centre, women from seaweed-farming communities - affectionately known as the Mwani Mamas - carry forward generations of traditional knowledge while pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Yet, seaweed farming alone isn’t transformative, many farmers earn just $30 a month, which is far below the minimum wage. Real empowerment begins when seaweed is turned into high-value, regenerative skincare products. This value addition increases income by up to 900%, turning sustainability into tangible social progress.
The Rise of Seaweed as a Catalyst for Change
Zanzibar’s nutrient-rich waters and consistent tidal patterns create an ideal environment for seaweed cultivation.
What began as subsistence farming has evolved into an industry with global potential. Traditional harvesting techniques have been refined into nature-positive and sustainable practices that safeguard both culture and climate.
At the heart of this transformation lies the Mwani Zanzibar Centre - a pioneering women-led company that uplifts entire communities through ethical enterprise and regenerative business models.
About the Mwani Zanzibar Centre
Located in Paje, on Zanzibar’s scenic east coast, the Mwani Zanzibar Centre serves as both a production hub and an educational space.
The company collaborates with 170 farmers and 15 artisans, forming part of a broader network of over 23,000 seaweed farmers across the islands.
Visitors to the Centre are invited to witness the nine-step production process - from drying and infusing seaweed to cutting, packaging, and product development.
Each product is made using locally sourced botanicals such as clove, turmeric, coffee, and lemongrass, many of which come from surrounding communities.
If you’re interested in visiting, we can help arrange your experience, just tap the WhatsApp button on the lower right of the page to get started.
From Ocean to Skincare Shelf
The Centre specializes in handcrafted, organic skincare that honors both the environment and the people behind it. Signature products include:
Organic Soaps: Seaweed-infused with clove and turmeric, offering skin-repair and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Exfoliating Scrubs: Blended with Zanzibari coffee and lemongrass for a rejuvenating skin cleanse.
Nourishing Massage Oils: Enriched with local botanicals to hydrate and soothe.
Each item showcases the biodiversity of Zanzibar’s coastline, while supporting fair-trade and regenerative sourcing.
A Business with Purpose
Mwani Zanzibar Centre operates not as a cooperative, but as a registered company built on sustainable development, social equity, and women-led leadership. Artisans and farmers receive fair income, skill development, and long-term mentorship.
Rather than extractive labor, the Centre offers ownership of the value chain, enabling women to play meaningful roles in product innovation, branding, and global export strategies.
Tourism & Community Engagement
The Centre doubles as a living classroom, where guests can:
Take a guided tour of seaweed farms (best during low tide)
Meet the Mwani Mamas and learn about their work
Observe the full production process
Enjoy a seaweed-based beverage and receive a complimentary handmade soap
Browse a curated shop filled with handmade products
These interactive experiences offer travelers a window into regenerative entrepreneurship, inviting them to support sustainable tourism and community growth.
A Business with Purpose
Mwani Zanzibar Centre operates not as a cooperative, but as a registered company built on sustainable development, social equity, and women-led leadership. Artisans and farmers receive fair income, skill development, and long-term mentorship.
Rather than extractive labor, the Centre offers ownership of the value chain, enabling women to play meaningful roles in product innovation, branding, and global export strategies.
Tourism & Community Engagement
The Centre doubles as a living classroom, where guests can:
Take a guided tour of seaweed farms (best during low tide)
Meet the Mwani Mamas and learn about their work
Observe the full production process
Enjoy a seaweed-based beverage and receive a complimentary handmade soap
Browse a curated shop filled with handmade products
These interactive experiences offer travelers a window into regenerative entrepreneurship, inviting them to support sustainable tourism and community growth.
Global Reach & Future Growth
As interest in clean, ethical skincare grows, Mwani Zanzibar is positioning itself as a leader in the global natural beauty market. Sales abroad are increasing, further boosting income for participating women and reinforcing Zanzibar’s role as a sustainability innovator.
The Centre hopes its model can inspire other coastal communities across the globe, proving that small-scale initiatives can create large-scale ripple effects economically, environmentally, and culturally.
Plan Your Visit
A trip to the Mwani Zanzibar Centre is ideal for eco-conscious travelers and anyone interested in community-driven innovation. It's a rare chance to engage directly with the people shaping Zanzibar’s future through seaweed-based entrepreneurship.
Explore. Learn. Support. And leave with more than a product - leave with a piece of Zanzibar’s living story.
