The Spice Island's Insurance, The Mixx Initiative

Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania - September 4th, 2025

Zanzibar is renowned for its pristine lagoons and beautiful beaches, painting a picture-perfect postcard image. While tourism stands as the region's primary economic activity, contributing around 29.5% directly to the Gross Domestic Product (Zanzibar Presidential Delivery Bureau), amidst the luxury resorts, Zanzibar is also celebrated as the Spice Island. Its historic agricultural sector, particularly clove farming, provides a livelihood for many. Indeed, during the COVID 19 pandemic, as the world slowed down, clove farming remarkably contributed to over 90% of the island's foreign exchange earnings (Zanzibar Ministry of Agriculture Report, 2020). Though cloves show a declining contribution to the overall economy in recent years, the sector still represents a crucial employment area for many people, especially in rural Zanzibar. As the sector undergoes changes, farmers are often left without proper support and coverage. The very nature of clove farming involves climbing trees, demanding flair and dexterity. Often, when farmers are injured during their work, they are left without proper healthcare and, consequently, no income. This prevents them from participating in the harvest.

Financial inclusion and farmer protection

Recognizing the deep vulnerability of Zanzibar's clove farmers, who often face injury with little support, Mixx and the Zanzibar State Trade Corporation (ZSTC) forged a powerful partnership. This flagship initiative offers comprehensive medical insurance alongside enhanced financial inclusion. Since 2019, Mixx has been a pivotal force in the clove value chain, facilitating the disbursement of over TZS 63 billion, equivalent to approximately $24 million USD, directly to clove farmers. This vital financial flow sustains countless families.

As Abdallah Ally Salim, Chairman of Umoja Tangani and a clove farmer, powerfully expresses, "There are many challenges in this work, but this has eased our concern as growers of clove crops. Getting injuries has been a major challenge for us... Now we have a place to turn to. We have come to see that this insurance is truly significant. We are confident that our lives and properties are safe. This is more than just a program; it is something we are proud of. Personally, one of my workers once broke his leg and was treated through this service, which is a great achievement."

This critical support aligns with the profound importance of clove farming. It is woven into the island's identity and provides livelihoods for many, particularly in rural areas. This partnership directly addresses the daily risks faced by these essential workers.

A Lifeline When It Matters Most

To directly address these physical and financial vulnerabilities, a meticulously crafted medical and accident insurance cover was developed in partnership with Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC). This program targets the most critical risks faced by farmers and their families. It includes coverage for maximum death liability, permanent incapacity per person, and temporary incapacity per person. This comprehensive support provides a vital safety net when it is needed most.

This coverage offers immediate, lifesaving financial relief to affected families. It helps them navigate the aftermath of an injury and supports temporary recovery where possible. More than just monetary aid, it offers a crucial psychological benefit. It instills confidence in farmers who can now work with the knowledge that a vital support mechanism is in place should the unthinkable happen. InjuriesImage 4 [from left to right]Soud Said Ali - MD of ZSTC, Engineer Zena Ahmed Said - Chief Secretary and Angelica Pesha - CEO of Mixx Tanzania like falls from trees are a known hazard in clove farming, especially with traditional climbing methods, highlighting the program's crucial role.

The impact is already measurable. The Medical Utilization Summary for 2023/24 reveals a tangible difference in individual lives. With a total of TZS 97,450,000, approximately $37,480 USD, in discharge vouchers processed, 68 farmers have already been compensated for injuries. An additional 14 claims are currently under review. This data underscores the profound, real life benefit of the program, with individuals and their families directly experiencing the relief and support it offers. In 2024, the program serves 37 farmers, with approximately 40% of them being women, significantly expanding its reach and empowering communities.

For Aisha Hassan from Kitumba, the program provided immense relief. "I fell from a clove tree," she recounts. "After my fall, I was taken to the station to get a PF3* (Police Form 3 - used to document physical or other injuries)). With the cooperation of Mixx and ZSTC, it paved the way so I could receive treatment easily." Her experience highlights the direct and tangible benefit of the insurance. 

Beyond Compensation: A Vision for the Future

 The Clove Farmer Medical Insurance Initiative is more than a health intervention. It is a critical pillar for agricultural resilience, economic sustainability, and human dignity in Zanzibar. By safeguarding those who form the backbone of the clove value chain, this initiative protects thousands of livelihoods. It supports rural development and reinforces the government’s ambitious goals for inclusive growth and social protection.

The initial results of the program are compelling. A collaborative financing model between ZSTC and Mixx has already processed over TZS 97 million in medical vouchers, demonstrating a tangible and swift impact.

To truly ensure long term sustainability and foster farmer well-being, the next phase of this vital initiative must integrate proactive interventions alongside its medical insurance. This includes continued emphasis on training and capacity building. Sponsoring targeted training programs on safe harvesting techniques and fall prevention is essential. Developing practical safety manuals and establishing community-based learning workshops are key components. Partnering with vocational institutions or agricultural colleges could also deliver ongoing training across both Pemba and Unguja. 

Youth and women inclusion is another crucial aspect. This means empowering and training younger generations and female farmers in safer practices, guiding them towards roles that minimize physical exposure. Engaging community leaders and cooperatives will be key to promoting safe, inclusive participation across the clove sector.

Expansion of insurance coverage is also a priority. “We aim to scale the number of farmers covered from the current 100 to over 200 annually, with a particular focus on peak seasons. Developing tiered insurance options for varying levels of exposure could also allow for broader farmer inclusion”, saysAngelica Pesha.

 Finally, digitally enabled monitoring and reporting are vital. This involves leveraging Mixx’ established agent and communication network to systematically track incidents, raise awareness, and issue early warnings during harvest seasons. Strengthening coordination between ZSTC, ZIC, and farmer groups through consistent mobile engagement will be paramount to this effort.

 The journey to secure the future of Zanzibar's clove farmers is ongoing. With continued collaboration and a commitment to proactive solutions, the Spice Island can truly ensure that its most valuable asset, its people, are protected. This will allow the scent of cloves to continue to enrich its economy and its legacy for generations to come. This initiative's profound social impact recently earned it the First Prize in the prestigious AXIAN Group's Impact Awards, an internal competition that celebrates the company with the greatest positive impact over the year. This award recognizes projects that are rigorously monitored against objectives in areas like population and inclusion, and whose results are verified by internal audit and management teams. It’s an evaluation that is factored into all employee assessments, a testament to AXIAN’s commitment to making a tangible difference.

About Mixx

Mixx Tanzania is part of Axian Group’s pan-African fintech brand, Mixx, dedicated to empowering individuals, entrepreneurs, and small businesses with simple, secure, and inclusive digital financial services. Since its rebrand in 2024, Mixx Tanzania has grown into a trusted financial ally, offering solutions that range from mobile payments and peer-to-peer transfers to merchant services, savings, and beyond. With an ecosystem serving millions of customers and supporting thousands of merchants and agents nationwide, Mixx Tanzania is committed to driving financial inclusion and enabling everyday progress. Guided by its vision of being more than money, Mixx continues to innovate and build a digital financial ecosystem that supports the aspirations of Tanzanians at every step of their journey.

About AXIAN Open Innovation & Fintech

AXIAN Open Innovation & Fintech is the innovation and financial technology cluster of AXIAN Group, operating across five African markets. It empowers individuals and businesses by delivering inclusive digital financial solutions, driving local economic transformation, and expanding access to financial services for underserved populations. Through its portfolio of fintech companies and strategic investments, AXIAN Open Innovation & Fintech harnesses agility, partnership, and purpose to unlock innovation across Africa’s fintech ecosystem. As part of AXIAN Group, it is deeply committed to sustainable impact and upholds the principles of the United Nations Global Compact Initiative in all its activities.

References

Zanzibar Presidential Delivery Bureau (ZPDB). Tourism Sector Contribution to GDP. Retrieved from ZPDB official website: https://www.pdbsmz.go.tz/key-priorities/

Zanzibar Ministry of Agriculture. Report on Clove Industry and Foreign Exchange Earnings, 2020.

Zanzibar Revolutionary Government. Study on the Zanzibar Clove Industry.

Zanzibar Statistical Abstract, 2023. Clove Export Data 2019. Retrieved from tradesmz.go.tz.

ZiBI. ‘Zanzibar’s Clove Industry : Reviving a spice legacy amidst global shifts’ (Website: https://zibi.co.tz/zanzibars-clove-industry-reviving-a-spice-legacy-amidst-global-shifts/)

The Guardian. "Manufacturing surpasses cloves as Zanzibar's top goods exports earner." January 2025.

African Business. ‘Tanzania: Taking the spice out of cloves?’ (Website: https://african.business/2015/02/energy-resources/tanzania-taking-spice-cloves)

TICGL. ‘Zanzibar's Economic Performance’, May 2025. (Website: https://ticgl.com/zanzibars-economic-performance-may-2025/)

 TICGL. ‘Tanzania's 2024 Trade $7.06 Billion Exports, $12.05 Billion Imports, $4.99 Billion Deficit’, May 2025 (Website: https://ticgl.com/tanzanias-2024-trade-7-06-billion-exports-12-05-billion-imports-4-99-billion-deficit/)

- M.I.