Our Story
Zanzibar Research Centre for Socio-Economic and Policy Analysis (ZRCP) is a leading multidisciplinary center established in 2021 in Zanzibar. The center aims to undertake cutting-edge research and policy analysis to foster socio-economic development and facilitate inclusive economic growth in Zanzibar. ZRCP offers services in areas such as economic growth, digital economy, financial sector reforms, private financing, social protection, and good governance.
The target audience for ZRCP's services includes government officials, public sector, private sector, academia, social sectors, and the Zanzibar population interested in socio-economics and policy. The center seeks to engage this diverse audience through a visually appealing design that stays ahead in the evolving landscape of technology and user interactions. ZRCP envisions its website as a platform to support the formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of government policies by providing research-based evidence and innovative solutions.
The Team at ZRCP
Mr. Juma Hassan Reli
Executive Director
Mr. Reli is a renowned expert in the fields of finance, economics and trade. He has served as the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Tanzania (BoT) between 2005 and 2016. He also worked as the Principal Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Zanzibar and prior to that served as the Executive Secretary of Zanzibar Planning Commission (ZPC).
Mr. Said Ahmed Baharoon
Director of Operations
Mr. Baharoon has over 25 years of experience in Finance, Accounting, and Project Management, working across a range of industries including Manufacturing, Transportation, Real Estate, Oil and Gas, and Tourism. His career has spanned multiple countries, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and his home country of Tanzania. He holds an MBA in Finance from California State University, East Bay, and a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy from Baruch College, City University of New York. Additionally, he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), certified in the State of Delaware, USA.
Dr. Twahir Khalfan
Director of Research and Policy Engagement
Dr. Khalfan is an expert in the fields of financial economics, social insurance, and economic development with 15 years’ experience. His previous portfolio was a Senior Researcher and Policy Analyst at the Social Security Regulatory Authority (SSRA), Tanzania. Beyond conducting empirical research and publishing in various reputable international journals, he worked as an independent consultant with various international organizations such as UNU-WIDER, World Bank, UNICEF, SIDA, UNDP, USAID, Helen Keller International and Muhanna Actuaries & Consultants
Dr. Maryam Ismail
Director of Knowledge Management & Partnerships
Dr. Ismail has served as the Dean of the School of Education at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) from 2014-2020. She has a background in education with extensive experience and expertise in teacher education, teacher professional learning, community of practices, intercultural competences, consultancy, higher education management, quality assurance, research, technology-enhanced teaching and learning, service learning and community engagement, Science, Technology-enhanced education, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) innovative pedagogies, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) approaches and girls education, and educational leadership.
Mr. Haddad Said
Digital Transformation & Data Analytics Expert
Mr. Said is a Software Engineer closely with domain experts to deliver domain driven, results focused enterprise level data-driven cloud native software solutions. Focused on high-performing data analytics platform architectures, designing API first containerized cloud native Microservice architectures which are delivered through fast, safe and reliable continuous delivery pipelines involving automated testing, deployment and configuration management to production platforms that implement service discovery and centralised monitoring and logging to provide automatic scaling and self-healing of the applications.
Mr. Gillead-Gary Mziray
Head of Programs & Digital Transformation Liaison
Mr. Mziray is a seasoned professional in the Creative Industry, Business Development, and Software Engineering. He holds a Full Stack Development Certification from MIT and a BA in International Business from Middlesex University, London. As a founder and patron of the arts, he has led high-impact projects, including the UN's 75th Anniversary exhibition "Global Conversation" with Google Arts & Culture and the African Union’s inaugural Black History Month celebration in 2022 with H.E. Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze, facilatating panel discussions, historical presentations, and virtual art exhibits. Mziray excels in forging strategic partnerships, advancing software development, and securing successful deals through innovative solutions.
Professor. Abdi T. Abdulla
Principal Associate Researcher
Professor. Abdi T. Abdulla is a principal associate researcher in topics
related to the ICT and digital initiatives at ZRCP. He has PhD inn Electrical
Engineering (Communication and Signal Processing), King Fahd University of
Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) attained in 2016 and MSc. In Electronics
Engineering and Information Technologies from the University of Dar es
Salaam (UDSM) 2010.
Dr. Nahifa Soud
Researcher
Dr. Nahifa Said Soud researcher with a PhD in Accounting and Finance. Her practical experience on developing and implementing financial systems, strategies and control that significantly improve corporate profitability or reduce loss scenarios. She is Data Analyst and Data Visualization Expert and Financial Consultant using Microsoft Excel, Python, SQL, Google Sheets, IBM Watson Studio and Matplotlib, Excellent Project Management skills. Dr. Nahifa dedicated technical skills in various local and international enterprises in the field of the blue economy and healthcare.
Ms. Nura Masood
Researcher
Ms. Nura Masood was General Manager dealing with Corporate Business at Sanlam focusing on predominantly intermediated insurance for Tanzania based businesses. She also attained her credentials in Life, Disability and Critical Illness Claim (AMUS) and Underwriting. With this technical expertise under her belt, Nura’s areas of expertise include Life, Disability and Critical Illness Underwriting, Insurance Products Design and Pricing, Insurance Distribution and Financial Inclusion. She is also a member of the Association of Tanzania Insurer Life councilwhere she facilitates discussion in addressing life insurance challenges, discovering innovative solutions whilst unleashing local talent. She matches her commitment to mentorship programs where she works with a multitude of people to recognize their strengths, develop their talents and envision their possibilities. Nura is passionate about training front-line underwriters, volunteering and mentorship.
Ms. Fatima
Finance/Administrative and Public Awareness Officer
Currently Fatima is Finance/Administrative and Public Awareness Officer at Zanzibar Research Centre for Socio-economic and Policy Analysis. Her roles including overseas the overall operations of the office and ensure that all activities are run smoothly. She is also responsible for the financial matters of the organization. She is a bachelor degree holder with professional certificate of Administrative Assistant from Brigham Young University- Idaho.
Ms. Twamaa Hababuu Makame
Research Assistant
Twamaa Hababuu Makame is a Petroleum Engineering graduate from the American University of Ras Al Khaimah and an alumna of McKinsey's Forward Program. She currently serves as a Research Assistant at the Zanzibar Research Centre for Socio-Economic Policy Analysis (ZRCP), where she leads research projects in digital transformation, startup ecosystem development, policy analysis, and climate change in Zanzibar. With a strong interest in startups, innovation, energy, and sustainability, Twamaa has been actively involved in projects focused on reducing carbon emissions. She played a significant role in a team from the Middle East in reducing carbon emissions. At ZRCP, Twamaa is dedicated to driving impactful change through her research and insights on critical socio-economic issues. She contributes to fostering sustainable solutions that benefit communities in Zanzibar, which further underscores her commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth in her community.
Ms. Zulekha Ayoub
Research Assistant
Zulekha Ayoub is a research assistant at ZRCP with a Master of Science in Economics with Finance. She has five years of experience conducting technical research and surveys on critical socioeconomic and environmental issues. Her notable projects include the 2024 Tanzania Welfare and Health of Youth and Children survey (WHYS), Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments, Digital Transformation Policy and Impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism Industry.
Zulekha has worked collaboratively with various institutions, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, such as OCGS and ZURCC. Also, Zulekha is an Assistant Lecturer at the Institute of Continuing and Professional Studies (ICPS), where she is dedicated to educating the next generation of researchers and professionals. Her research aims to inform policy and promote sustainable development through data-driven insights and
evidence-based recommendations.
Mr. Abdulrazak
Research Assistant
As a research assistant at ZRCP, Abdulrazak is passionately dedicated to contributing to innovative research initiatives that drive meaningful socio-economic development in Zanzibar. He is committed to supporting the research team in generating valuable insights and pushing boundaries of knowledge. He has obtained a Bachelor’s Degree of Petroleum Engineering from American University of Ras Al Khaimah.
Mr. Abdul-latif Ali Sheha
Research Assistant
Abdul-latif Ali Sheha is a research assistant at ZRCP and an emerging professional dedicated to the field health and social development; monitoring and evaluation. He is equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health and the complexities of population dynamics. Gained valuable work experience in various roles, served as a data collector at UNICEF, child protection officer and service care provider at the Ministry of Labor Empowerment (MoLEEWC), research assistant for the A.U.A project as well as VGM supervisor at
Swisan Enterprises Limited. Furthermore, Abdul-latif has the relevant skills in areas related to project management and monitoring and evaluation.