Zanzibar has unveiled plans for a major free port development at Mangapwani as the semi-autonomous island seeks to re-establish itself as a regional trade and logistics hub along East Africa's Indian Ocean coastline. The proposed project, valued at around $560m, would create a dedicated free port and logistics zone designed to attract international shipping, transhipment, manufacturing and distribution activities. Authorities believe the development could help position Zanzibar as a gateway for trade serving East Africa, the Middle East and the wider Indian Ocean region. The development is expected to include cargo-handling infrastructure, logistics parks, warehousing and associated industrial facilities.