Zanzibar hosted its annual volleyball tournaments from July 10-15, 2025, drawing teams and fans from across Tanzania and East Africa. The events, held at the scenic Amaan Sports Complex, showcased thrilling matches and boosted local tourism. This year’s tournaments highlighted the growing popularity of volleyball in the region.
Record-Breaking Participation
The 2025 Zanzibar Volleyball Tournaments saw a record 32 teams, including 20 men’s and 12 women’s squads, competing in both indoor and beach volleyball categories. Organized by the Zanzibar Volleyball Association (ZVA) in collaboration with the Tanzania Volleyball Federation (TVF), the events took place over six days. The Amaan Sports Complex in Stone Town and the beaches of Nungwi hosted the matches, attracting over 5,000 spectators.
| Event Category | Teams | Matches Played | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Indoor | 12 | 28 | Amaan Sports Complex |
| Women’s Indoor | 8 | 18 | Amaan Sports Complex |
| Men’s Beach | 8 | 20 | Nungwi Beach |
| Women’s Beach | 4 | 12 | Nungwi Beach |
Key Moments and Winners
The men’s indoor final saw Dar es Salaam’s Coastal Stars defeat Zanzibar’s Spice Islanders in a gripping five-set match, ending 3-2. In the women’s indoor category, Arusha Queens claimed victory over Pemba Pearls with a 3-1 score. Beach volleyball highlights included the men’s duo from Mombasa, Kenya, winning against a local Zanzibar pair, while the women’s beach title went to a team from Dodoma.
A standout moment was the performance of young player Amina Juma, a 19-year-old from Zanzibar, who earned the “Best Spiker” award in the women’s indoor event. Her contribution helped the Spice Islanders reach the semifinals, inspiring local fans.
“Volleyball is growing fast in Zanzibar, and these tournaments show our potential. We’re proud to host such exciting matches and welcome teams from beyond our islands,” said ZVA President Hassan Ali.
Boosting Tourism and Community
The tournaments aligned with Zanzibar’s efforts to promote sports tourism. Local businesses, including hotels and restaurants in Stone Town and Nungwi, reported a 20% increase in visitors during the event week. The ZVA also organized community clinics, where professional players coached over 200 young athletes from local schools.
“Playing in Zanzibar is special—the crowd’s energy and the beach setting make it unforgettable,” said Jane Mwangi, captain of the Dodoma women’s beach team.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 2025 tournaments has set the stage for an even bigger event in 2026. The ZVA plans to expand the competition by inviting more international teams and upgrading facilities at the Amaan Sports Complex. With volleyball gaining momentum, Zanzibar is poised to become a key sports destination in East Africa.
