Tanzania: Zanzibar Cup promoting peace and tourism through kitesurfing
Dr. Stefano Conte, an Italian pediatrician, shares the journey and growing success of the Zanzibar Cup, an international kitesurfing competition held annually in Zanzibar.
The doctor-turned-promoter of peace and fraternity through sports spoke to Vatican News about how the event helps promote tourism, youth sports, and international unity across East Africa. Preparations are now underway for the Sixth Edition of the competition, scheduled for August 23, 2026.
Dr. Conte explained that for many years he specialized in pediatric heart surgery and also dedicated part of his medical career to helping hundreds of Zanzibar people receive free medical treatment.
From medical care to sports development
His humanitarian work later inspired him to establish the Zanzibar Cup, an International Kitesurfing Competition that aims to empower youth and create opportunities through sports.
According to Dr. Conte, the competition was launched three years ago in partnership with the Zanzibar Government and has already completed five successful editions despite the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Kitesurfing is becoming one of the most popular sports among young people around the world," he said. "The goal is to help Zanzibar and East Africa in general grow in the sport while also promoting international tourism."
A sporting event with a message of peace
Beyond competition, Dr. Conte stressed that the Zanzibar Cup has a strong humanitarian and social mission. He explained that the event aims to promote peace, fraternity, and unity at a time when many parts of the world are facing conflicts and instability.
Echoing the call for peace made by Pope Leo XIV, Dr. Conte said sports can be a bridge between cultures and nations.
“We want to send a message that people can live together as brothers and sisters without war,” he said. “Everyone who has the opportunity should help spread this message of peace.”
Dr. Conte also stressed the “importance of providing young people with alternative sporting opportunities beyond football," noting that kitesurfing has the potential to attract international attention to Zanzibar while encouraging the participation of local youth in international sports.
Preparations for the Sixth Zanzibar Cup continue
Reflecting on the Fifth edition held on 9 February 2026, Dr. Conte described the event as a success despite the weak wind conditions. “The competition included two main categories, a regatta around the beach and a freestyle competition, involving jumping and technical demonstrations," he said.
The competition attracted 42 participants from six countries, supported by an international panel of judges and 15 sponsoring companies.
Dr. Conte praised the contribution of Azam Sports HD in providing live television coverage, which helped to expand the visibility of the event locally and internationally.
He also expressed his gratitude to the governments of Zanzibar and Tanzania for their continued support, in particular acknowledging the Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and the permanent secretary Matar Zahor Massoud, Regional Commissioner of Northern Unguja, for their support for the initiative.
Ahead of the 6th edition of the Zanzibar Cup, Dr. Conte concluded by inviting athletes, sponsors, and supporters from around the world to contribute to building what he described as “an incredible international competition” that showcases Zanzibar’s growing position in global sports tourism.”
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