Zanzibar Hosts First Major Beach Volleyball Tournament
Zanzibar’s pristine beaches have become the stage for Tanzania’s growing love for beach volleyball. In early June 2025, the island hosted the inaugural Zanzibar Beach Volleyball Open, drawing local and regional players to compete. The event highlights the sport’s rising appeal along Tanzania’s coast, fueled by its vibrant beach culture and tourism boom.
A New Sport on the Rise
Beach volleyball, though relatively new in Tanzania, is quickly gaining traction, especially in coastal areas like Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. The Zanzibar Beach Volleyball Open, held at Nungwi Beach, welcomed over 20 teams, including participants from Kenya and Uganda. Organized by the Tanzania Volleyball Association (TVA), the tournament aimed to promote the sport and attract international attention.
The event featured both men’s and women’s categories, with matches played over three days. Local teams, such as the Zanzibar Sharks, impressed crowds with their skills, while regional competitors brought fierce competition. The TVA reported that over 1,000 spectators attended, a promising sign for the sport’s future.
Key Highlights of the Zanzibar Beach Volleyball Open
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar |
| Dates | June 7-9, 2025 |
| Teams | 20 (12 men’s, 8 women’s) |
| Spectators | Approximately 1,000 |
| Organizer | Tanzania Volleyball Association |
Voices from the Court
The tournament’s success has sparked optimism among players and officials. “Beach volleyball is perfect for Tanzania’s coastline,” said Amina Juma, captain of the women’s Zanzibar Sharks team. “It’s exciting to see our community embrace this sport, and I hope it inspires more young people to join.”
TVA President Hassan Mwinyi also shared his vision for the sport’s growth. “We are committed to developing beach volleyball across Tanzania,” he said. “Events like this show our potential to compete regionally and even globally in the future.”
Building on a Growing Trend
Tanzania’s investment in sports has surged recently, with the government allocating 519.66 billion TZS to the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports for the 2025/26 fiscal year, an 82.1% increase from the previous year. This funding supports infrastructure for events like the Zanzibar Open and upcoming international tournaments, such as the CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship in 2025. The country’s hosting of the 2025 World Travel Awards in Dar es Salaam further underscores its push to become a hub for sports and tourism.
Beach volleyball’s appeal lies in its accessibility and alignment with Tanzania’s coastal lifestyle. Unlike indoor volleyball, it requires minimal equipment, making it ideal for community-level play. Schools and local clubs in Zanzibar have started training programs, with plans to expand to other coastal regions like Bagamoyo and Tanga.
Why Beach Volleyball is Growing in Tanzania
- Natural Fit: Tanzania’s sandy beaches provide ideal venues.
- Low Cost: Minimal equipment makes it accessible to communities.
- Tourism Boost: Events attract visitors, supporting local economies.
- Youth Engagement: The sport appeals to younger audiences.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Zanzibar Beach Volleyball Open signals a bright future for the sport in Tanzania. The TVA plans to host more tournaments and establish training camps to nurture talent, aiming to field competitive teams for regional championships by 2027. With growing support, beach volleyball could become a cornerstone of Tanzania’s sporting identity.
