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As export routes declined and local markets became saturated, many Zanzibari farmers were left producing exceptional spices for little return. Generations of knowledge, craftsmanship, and agricultural heritage risked becoming disconnected from the value created further along the supply chain.
Watching this unfold made one thing clear: the issue was never quality. It was access, visibility, and value creation.
At the same time, Scotland has built a global reputation for exceptional food and drink, rooted in provenance, craftsmanship, storytelling, and quality.
Ujamaa was founded to bring these worlds together by connecting Zanzibar’s rich spice heritage with Scotland’s premium food and drink landscape through direct sourcing, flavour-led product innovation, and transparent partnerships.
By working directly with farming communities and creating value-added products here in Scotland, we aim to build a more connected supply chain that celebrates provenance, craftsmanship, and the people behind every harvest.
This is not about charity. It is about recognising quality, preserving heritage, and creating products worthy of the stories they carry.
There is a Zanzibari proverb that says:
“When you play the flute in Zanzibar, all of Africa dances.”
For centuries, Zanzibar’s influence extended far beyond its shores through trade, culture, and spices.
Known as the Spice Islands, Zanzibar became one of the world’s most important spice trading hubs, renowned globally for cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and other richly aromatic spices. Positioned along historic Indian Ocean trade routes, its spices travelled across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, shaping cuisines and cultures for generations.
Yet while Zanzibar’s spice heritage remains world-renowned, many farming communities today see only a small share of the value created beyond the island.
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 hope is to help keep Zanzibar’s spice traditions thriving while bringing a little more warmth, depth, and flavour to kitchens and tables across Scotland and beyond.
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