Determined not to repeat their mistakes the UMCA leaders looked to the next likely spot from which to reach out to the heart of Africa. Madagascar was considered, as was the Island of Johanna and locations on the South African coast but Zanzibar won out in the end due to it's fine communication networks, well know food supplies and a good labor pool.
Wakichukua bidii za makusudi, ili kutorejea makosa yaliyopita viongozi wa ujumbe wa Vyuo Vikuu kwa Afrika ya Kati (UMCA) waliangalia uwezekano wa kituo au eneo jengine ambalo litatumika kuweza kufika kati kati ya Afrika. Maeneo mbali mbali yalifikiriwa kutumika kama Kisiwa cha Johanna, maeneo katika mwambao wa Afrika Kusini lakini kwa bahati Zanzibar ilikubalika kutumika kutokana na muundo mzuri wa njia za mawasiliano, upatikanaji mzuri wa bidhaa za chakula na wingi wa upatikanaji nguvu kazi bora.