Urban Policy Trajectories in Tanzania: Towards Creating Sustainable Cities

Urbanisation in Tanzania has increased dramatically since the 1960s, rising from 5% to 33% in 2017 (World Bank, 2018), and is expected to continue. By 2045, the urban population will surpass the rural, reaching 55.4% by 2050 (UN-Population, 2018). Tanzania’s urban growth is among the fastest in East Africa, with an average annual urban growth rate (1950–2018) of just under 1.5%, surpassing both East Africa and continental averages. By 2030, Dar es Salaam will have over ten million people, with several other cities growing rapidly (UN-Population, 2018). This rapid and often unregulated urbanisation stems from both intentional and unintended actions, including historical and current policies. Urban policy is shaped by political agendas, stakeholder interests, and institutional frameworks. Key questions arise: (Unplanned urban spaces which are characterized by insufficient social services and nonadaptive to the growing population and their needs) How cities are being planned—and whether they can support the infrastructure and services required for the growing population—which are crucial. Understanding Tanzania’s urbanisation requires a critical review of policy evolution. This chapter explores major policy shifts and ideologies since decolonisation, focusing on their impact in Dar es Salaam. It evaluates how these have addressed urban development challenges and whether they promote sustainability, a recurring theme in Tanzania’s urban planning discourse.