Management of Waqf Properties in Zanzibar:Current Situation and the Way Forward

The management and administration of Waqf properties in Zanzibar in which more than 95% of the population are Muslim has been in existence even before 19th century. The Waqf properties are of paramount importance for the socio-economic development of the country. This study highlights the historical perspective of the Waqf management in Zanzibar; it also tries to examine the current structure of the commission following various changes that have taken place. Moreover the study explores the contributions of the Waqf properties for the socio-economic development of the country as well as finding out challenges which hamper the pace of progress for the Waqf department. The study uses both secondary and primary data collection methods. The findings indicate that the Waqf and Trust Commission (WTC) is structured according to the current demand of the society due to the rapid technological change, the contribution of the Waqf properties in socio-economic development is found to be very minimal due to the insufficient awareness of the Zanzibar Muslims on the benefits of Waqf as well as people perceptions and mistrust against WTC staff. The study recommends awareness programmes to be strengthened especially in the higher learning institutions. Keywords: Waqf, Waqf and Trust Commission, Zanziba