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.
Student Weekend
July 25th–26th
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 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.
Zanzalu Summit
August 1st-2nd
Zanzalu Summit 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. More details coming soon.
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.
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
Memories from Zanzalu
Meet our Speakers
Past and upcoming speakers from around the world, in conversation at Zanzalu.
Vitalik Buterin
Co-founder and Creator of Ethereum
Michael Muthukrishna
Professor of Economic Psychology at the London School of Economics
Daniel Yu
CEO and Co-founder of WASOKO
Hon Mudrick Soraga
Minister for Communication, Information Technology, and Innovation for the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar
Sebastian Dietzold
CEO of CPS
King Britt
Professor, DJ, producer, composer, performer, and curator
Want to speak at Zanzalu?
Our schedule is shaped by residents and guests. Send us your idea for a talk, workshop, or session.Come Build With Us
Tickets are now available. Karibu sana! Join us for talks, workshops, culture, and community in Fumba Town.
