The Zanzibar Housing Corporation (ZHC) is an autonomous government institution established under Act No. 6 of 2014. Through this legislation, the Corporation is mandated to manage and develop the housing sector in Zanzibar with the goals of increasing the National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing citizens with quality and safe housing.

Prior to the establishment of the Housing Corporation, from March 2000 to August 2015, these responsibilities were managed by the Department of Housing (Buildings), which was under the Ministry of Water, Construction, Energy, and Lands. This setup remained until the Government decided to implement development reforms in the residential sector, leading to the official establishment of the Zanzibar Housing Corporation.

Initially, the primary core function executed by the Housing Corporation was to manage and develop residential houses located in Unguja (Michenzani, Kikwajuni, Kilimani, Mombasa Kongwe, Makunduchi, Gamba, and Bambi) and Pemba (Madungu, Mtemani, Wete) by leasing them out, collecting rent, and conducting maintenance when required.

However, starting in 2020, the Corporation expanded its operations to construct new affordable housing units and commercial shops to drive growth in the residential sector. It launched its initial initiatives with the Mombasa Project in Unguja and the Mkungu Malofa Project in Pemba. For the 2024/2025 financial year, the Corporation is progressing with several other major projects, including the Chumbuni Project (Phase I) with a total of 1,095 housing units, the Kiembe Samaki Project, the Mombasa Project (Phase II), and the Kisakasaka Project.

In 2024, the Corporation's annual revenue increased by 100%, alongside the launch of its Construction and Consultancy subsidiary company, which provides professional services to both government and private institutions.