Nestled in the coastal village of Paje, the Seaweed Center stands as a beacon of sustainable development, closely intertwined with the thriving seaweed farming community that dots the shores of Zanzibar.

In partnership with local seaweed farm establishments, the Seaweed Center pioneers initiatives aimed at harnessing the potential of this marine resource. Located just an hour’s drive from Stone Town, the center serves as a hub for the processing of seaweed into a range of products, including soaps, creams, and treatment scrubs infused with the essence of Lang Lang.

These seaweed-based products, renowned for their rejuvenating properties, are not only cherished by visitors and the local community but have also found their way into the offerings of numerous East African hotel establishments. Zanzibar’s seaweed products are even exported to foreign countries, where they are utilized in medicine, cosmetics, and food preservation.

Seaweed farming in Zanzibar is a labor of love, with farms strategically established in shallow, calm waters along the coastline. Tender seaweed saplings are meticulously nurtured on strings anchored to the seabed, thriving in the warm tropical waters. Within a mere two weeks, the seaweed reaches maturity, ready for harvest. The harvested seaweed is then sun-dried in the village, ready for processing.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of seaweed farming as you visit the Seaweed Center. Gain insights into the lives of the dedicated women farmers who tend to the seaweed farms, and witness firsthand the transformative impact of capacity-building initiatives. This pioneering project, supported by Farm Africa’s Maendeleo Agricultural Enterprise Fund, is just one example of the empowerment and innovation flourishing across the region.