• Passengers will no longer need to carry cash when travelling. Instead, they will pay their fares using smart cards integrated with the Mixx digital payments platform.

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Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar residents are set to benefit from a fully cashless public transport system following the official launch of the ZanBus electric bus project, with digital financial services provider Mixx selected to manage fare payments through a smart card system.

The project was officially launched by the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who described the initiative as part of the Government’s commitment to building a modern, safe and environmentally friendly public transport system.

“The launch of this electric bus project is part of our commitment to building a modern, safe and environmentally friendly public transport system. 

We pledged to introduce electric public transport to reduce environmental pollution while providing better services to our people. This is only the beginning. Our ambition is to expand the fleet to 500 buses as part of the Government’s wider plan to transition public transport to electric mobility. 

Ultimately, we aim to achieve a zero-emissions transport system, protect the environment and transform Zanzibar into a modern city offering quality services to its citizens,” said President Mwinyi.

Speaking as the lead investor in the project, Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) Managing Director, Nassor Shaaban Ameir said the ZanBus project represents a strategic investment designed to deliver long-term benefits to both residents and the island’s economy.

“The ZanBus project is a long-term investment for the people of Zanzibar. Beyond improving public transport services, it will accelerate technology adoption, protect the environment and stimulate economic growth. 

As ZSSF, we are proud to be part of an investment that will improve people’s lives while supporting Zanzibar’s sustainable development agenda,” said Ameir.

No need to carry cash

Under the new system, passengers will no longer need to carry cash when travelling. Instead, they will pay their fares using smart cards integrated with the Mixx digital payments platform, offering a faster, safer and more convenient commuting experience.

Mixx Chief Operating Officer, Arnold Ngarashi said the partnership marks another milestone in Zanzibar’s digital transformation journey.

“In today’s digital economy, modern public transport cannot operate effectively without a modern payment system. Through Mixx, passengers will be able to top up their smart cards easily using their mobile phones or through our network of nearly 20,000 agents across Zanzibar. Our goal is to make ZanBus services simple, secure and accessible to every citizen,” said Ngarashi.

He added that the digital payment platform will improve revenue transparency, enhance the passenger experience and lay the foundation for integrating additional digital services into the transport sector in the future.

Ngarashi said Mixx’s participation in the ZanBus project reflects the company’s continued commitment to investing in digital payment solutions that simplify everyday life while supporting key sectors of the economy, including transport, commerce and public services.

He added that sister companies Yas and Yas Fiber are also working closely with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to strengthen the islands’ digital infrastructure, including Yas Fiber’s planned investment of approximately Sh300 billion to expand fibre-optic connectivity across Zanzibar.