Higher Education in Zanzibar: A brief sketch of policy imperatives and intentions Ntimi Mtawa 1 Abstract This paper provides a brief account of higher education in Zanzibar in terms of policy imperative and intentions. It responds to the paucity of literature as well as empirical studies focusing on higher education in Zanzibar. The notable lack of research on higher education in Zanzibar is potentially due to two factors. One, higher education in Zanzibar is often subsumed under the bulk of higher education research focusing more on Tanzania Mainland. Two, the Zanzibar higher education system is relatively young and small, thus it receives little attention in terms of research. However, in spite education being one of the ‘union matters’, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has the mandate to promote its education related issues. Thus, a better understanding of the policy practice and research issues of Zanzibar higher education is needed. This paper analyses some of the policy imperatives and intentions as well as engaging with secondary data regarding the main focus of research emerging from Zanzibar higher education landscape. The paper offer some theoretical and technical recommendations and implications for strengthening policy and research and aligning Zanzibar higher education sector to the demands and challenges of 21 st century. Keywords: Higher education, policy, research, Zanzibar 1 Researcher and Consultant. Higher education and human development research group, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa.