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There is a Zanzibari proverb that says,
“When you play the flute in Zanzibar, all of Africa dances.”
Historically, that influence extended far beyond Africa to Asia and the Middle East through trade and cultural exchange.
Zanzibar, often known today as a tropical tourist destination, was once one of the world’s most important spice trading hubs. As part of the historic “Spice Islands,” it built global demand for high-quality cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and other spices. Its strategic Indian Ocean port connected African producers with international markets for centuries.
However, following the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution, the island’s economy shifted dramatically. Political change, reduced trade control, and structural instability led to long-term economic decline.
Today, despite luxury tourism developments, many local farming communities see limited economic benefit. Smallholder spice farmers continue to produce exceptional quality spices, but often receive only a fraction of the value generated further along the supply chain.
As export routes declined and local markets became saturated, many Zanzibari farmers were left producing exceptional spices for little return. Generations of knowledge and craft risked being undervalued in a global market that no longer recognised their true worth.
Watching this unfold made one thing clear: the issue was not quality. It was access.
Ujamaa was founded to reconnect Zanzibar’s spice heritage with global markets in a way that restores dignity, transparency, and value to the people behind the product.
This is not about charity. It is about restoring balance to a trade that once shaped continents.
By building direct relationships and shortening the distance between farmer and customer, we are helping ensure that Zanzibar’s spice traditions do not disappear, but evolve and thrive.
My name is Jawahir [Ja-wa-hehr]
I wear many hats and have many titles but the most important ones are: mother, storyteller, Zanzibari and founder of Ujamaa.
Simply put, my own interests in Ujamaa is to pick up that flute once again and hope that the dancing continues for Zanzibar but also… help you bring that extra oomph to all those dishes you’re going to make!
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