Tanzania's $5 Billion Dream: Magufuli City is Set to Redefine the Nation's Future. Photo File
The Government of Tanzania has embarked on an ambitious journey to construct a new capital city named Magufuli, with a staggering investment of $5 billion. This new city, located 17 kilometers from Dodoma, the current capital, is poised to become the administrative heartbeat of the nation, designed to house government buildings and services across over 617 hectares of land.
Named in honor of the late President John Magufuli, who passed away in 2021, the city will be meticulously divided into zones, each dedicated to different government ministries and diplomatic offices.
Magufuli City is more than just a relocation of government functions; it represents a bold vision for the future of Tanzania. The Tanzanian government envisions this new administrative capital as a catalyst for enhancing government efficiency and streamlining bureaucratic processes.
With several government offices already under construction, the project is gradually taking shape, signaling the government's commitment to its completion despite the financial and logistical challenges that lie ahead.
The National Housing Corporation (NHC), responsible for much of the work on Magufuli City, acknowledged the daunting nature of the project but remains resolute in its commitment.
"We are aware of the financial and logistical challenges but are committed to seeing this project through. The benefits of efficiency, economic growth, and improved quality of life are immense," stated an NHC spokesperson.
This sentiment accentuates the high stakes involved and the government's determination to deliver a modern, efficient capital that will drive Tanzania's progress on multiple fronts.
Tanzania's ambition to construct Magufuli City is part of a broader trend across Africa, where countries are undertaking large-scale construction projects to improve quality of life and stimulate economic growth.
For instance, Ethiopia recently announced plans to build the continent's largest airport near Bishoftu, approximately 40 kilometers from Addis Ababa.
This mega airport aims to process 110 million passengers annually by 2029, surpassing all other airports in Africa. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized the economic significance of the project, stating, "The project will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritize environmentally responsible practices in our country and beyond."
Similarly, Senegal's $6 billion Akon City, backed by the famous singer Akon, has captured global attention.
However, despite its grand vision to transform an area south of Dakar into a futuristic metropolis, the project has faced significant challenges.
The Senegalese government recently issued an ultimatum to commence substantial construction work or risk losing much of the 136 acres of land allocated for the project.
Four years into the project, only a single arched concrete block marks its foundation, casting doubt on its future.
Back in Tanzania, Dodoma's transformation since its official declaration as a city in April 2018 has been remarkable. The population of Dodoma has surged from 410,956 in 2012 to 765,179 in 2022, reflecting an 86% increase in just a decade.
This rapid population growth has brought about significant changes to the city's ecological systems, particularly its forests and natural vegetation. Environmental stakeholders have voiced concerns about the potential environmental impact of this population surge and have called on the government to ensure proper urban planning to prevent encroachment and unplanned construction.
During the 2024 Sustainable Development Forum organized by the Uongozi Institute in Dodoma, Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango highlighted the importance of preserving open spaces and parks amid the city's rapid development.
Former Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli gestures upon arriving at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria for the inauguration of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on May 25, 2019. The new capital city is named in his honor. Photo courtesy.
He directed the Dodoma City Council to establish three parks by 2025, emphasizing the need for collaboration with the Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI) and the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS).
"I am aware that the Dodoma City Authority has allocated areas for these parks. I encourage the city to announce investment opportunities for these pioneer parks," Dr. Mpango stated.
These parks, which will include green parks and a botanical garden, are intended to enhance Dodoma's appeal while contributing to environmental conservation.
Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary, Aziza Mumba, highlighted the significance of these green spaces in the city's Land Scape Improvement Plan 2019–2039.
"The plan outlines that these areas should be planted with trees and preserve the existing natural vegetation. To beautify these areas, the plan is to plant trees and attractive flowers to make Dodoma more appealing and help purify the carbon dioxide produced by human activities," Mumba explained.
However, the development and management of these green parks come with significant challenges, particularly in terms of financial resources. Mumba emphasized the need to adhere to the city's Master Plan and to survey and prepare titles for these areas to prevent encroachment by residents.
"There is a need to adhere to the presence of green park areas when preparing the city's Master Plan. We will survey and prepare titles for these areas to prevent encroachment by residents for other uses," Mumba stated.
Urban planner Anna Paul raised concerns about the encroachment on road reserves within Dodoma, noting that businesses have set up garages and food stalls, contributing to the city's cleanliness issues.
"Businesses are setting up garages, and others are selling chips, which is making the city dirty. We have advised that these reserves be planted with trees and flower gardens, and if businesses must operate, they should do so in designated areas," Paul said.
To address the broader challenges of urban growth, the Director of Land Rights, Cuthbert Tomito, stressed the need to control horizontal urban expansion and instead promote vertical development.
"This will help reduce the speed of urban growth, which leads to deforestation and the clearing of many forests to set up buildings," Tomito advised.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa (first left) browses vegetable stalls at a market in the newly established Dodoma City. Photo State House
He also called for the reintroduction of the land ranger system to protect open spaces from encroachment, recalling that these explorers played a crucial role during the first and second phase administrations before their removal led to significant intrusion on open areas.
As Dodoma continues its transformation, water supply remains a critical concern. With a population of over 3.07 million, the city currently meets only 42% of its water demand.
Dodoma District Commissioner, Alhaj Jabir Shekimweri, outlined the government's efforts to address this issue, including the drilling of deep wells in the Nzuguni area, which will increase the water supply by 11% of the demand.
Long-term solutions include the Lake Victoria water project and the construction of the Farkwa Dam, which are expected to curb the water shortage.
The preservation of open spaces also remains a priority, with Shekimweri urging local government leaders to monitor and protect these areas.
"The encroachment on open spaces is due to political, commercial, and economic interests," Shekimweri noted, highlighting that more than 20 of the region's 150 open spaces have already been encroached upon.
As part of Dodoma's ongoing development, the completion of the Dodoma City Council project in the Government City, Mtumba, known as the Government City Complex, has been prioritised. With a budget of Sh 18 billion from internal revenues, the project is expected to generate an estimated Sh 108 million in monthly revenue once completed.
Mayor Prof. Davis Mwamfupe emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality work standards despite the urgency of completing the project.
Retired Major Johnick Risasi, CCM District Chairman, suggested revisiting the project contract to avoid delays in other projects. Dodoma stands at a critical juncture in its history, balancing rapid development with the need for sustainable urban planning.
The city's leadership, along with various stakeholders, is working diligently to ensure that Dodoma not only serves as Tanzania's capital but also sets a benchmark for planned, sustainable urban development in the country.
The future of Dodoma, and indeed Tanzania, hinges on the successful implementation of these ambitious projects, with President Magufuli City leading the way as a symbol of progress and a testament to the nation's aspirations.
