Program

What Happens at Zanzalu

Zanzalu is a pop-up city shaped by the people who show up. Each week is anchored around a core theme, with a mix of talks, workshops, cultural events, and informal gatherings that let you go deep or roam freely. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure, with a few shared moments everyone comes together for.

Our Weekly Program

Each week has a headline theme that guides the programming, from public ZED Talks and profound workshops to community sessions and hands-on experiments.

Week One: Leapfrog Technology

July 27th-31st

The first week dives into how nations can skip legacy development paths by leveraging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, drones, solar, and more. Together we will examine what these technologies are truly capable of, where they’re heading, and how they can be harnessed to solve real development challenges.

Student Weekend

August 1st–2nd

We open Zanzalu 2026 with the third edition of Student Weekend, a two-day program for university students in Zanzibar to learn the fundamentals of technology and entrepreneurship. Sessions are designed and run by Zanzalu residents as a direct way to contribute locally, with beginner-friendly, practical talks and workshops. If you’d like to help shape the agenda, email info@zanzalu.org.

Week Two: Cities + Industry

August 3rd-7th

The second week turns to the nuts and bolts of cities and industrial growth. Sessions explore how to shape and govern urban expansion, build resilient infrastructure, power industrial economies, and attract and scale productive firms in emerging markets.

Zanzalu Idea Zone

August 8th-9th

Zanzalu Idea Zone is our capstone gathering: a high-signal program of talks, debates, and working sessions that brings residents, partners, and invited guests into the same room to stress-test impactful and unconventional ideas. Zanzalu Idea Zone will be held as part of FuTopia this year.

FuTopia

August 8th-9th

FuTopia is a cultural festival organized by Busara Promotions, the team behind the long-running Sauti za Busara music festival. Expect live music and DJ sets with daytime programming focused on wellness, art, food, fashion, community activities, and sustainability.

Week Three: Community Week

August 10th-14th

Community Week is a soft landing to close out Zanzalu. Taking place in Paje, a nearby beachtown, with minimal programming, it’s designed to give project teams the space to finish what they started and agree on a clear plan of action for after everyone disperses. Expect relaxed group outings to explore the island, plenty of unstructured time, and discussion focused on the future of the Zanzalu community.

Activities at Zanzalu

Community Breakfast

Start the day together with shared meals that spark conversations, connections, and spontaneous collaborations.

Talks & Workshops

Public ZED Talks, deep-dive workshops, and interactive sessions led by residents and invited speakers.

Festivals

Cultural moments like FuTopia bring music, art, and celebration into the heart of the pop-up city.

Games & Tournaments

Boards and card game attics welcome.

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