Dar es Salaam: The transformation of Tanzania’s megacity

Dar es Salaam. Since the historic union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar in 1964, Dar es Salaam has stood as a testament to Tanzania’s journey of transformation, evolving from a modest coastal town into a bustling economic capital that is surely on its way to becoming a megacity.

According to the population and housing census, the population of the Dar es Salaam metropolitan area in 2022 was 7,405,000, representing a 5.08 percent increase from 2021.

Read: Dar population boom set to hit over 16 million

However, from its start as the unified nation’s political and economic capital, Dar es Salaam has played a pivotal role in driving Tanzania’s development agenda.

Speaking to The Citizen, Professor Semboja Haji Hatib says that the port of Dar es Salaam acts as the lifeblood of the city’s transformation into a megacity.

Its role in facilitating trade, driving industrialization, and attracting population influx has been instrumental in shaping the economic and urban landscape of Dar es Salaam, laying the foundation for its status as the economic capital of Tanzania.

“As the main gateway for international trade, the port has been instrumental in facilitating the seamless flow of goods and capital into and out of the region. This has not only bolstered Tanzania’s economic prowess but has also propelled Dar es Salaam onto the global stage as a key player in trade and commerce,” he shares.

He adds: “The port’s expansion and modernization efforts have further enhanced its capacity to handle increasing trade volumes, cementing Dar es Salaam’s status as an economic powerhouse in East Africa.”

Moreover, he says the port’s presence has been stimulating the development of ancillary services and infrastructure in Dar es Salaam.

Warehousing facilities, logistics services, and transportation networks have flourished in response to the demands of trade, further solidifying the city’s position as a commercial hub.

“The economic vibrancy generated by the port has had a profound impact on the demographic landscape of Dar es Salaam. The promise of employment and economic opportunity has drawn people from all corners of Tanzania and beyond to the city, leading to a rapid increase in population,” he explains.

A sociologist from UDSM, Mr Egidius Kamanyi, says that rapid urbanisation, primarily driven by rural-to-urban migration and natural population growth, has been playing a vital role in this journey of transformation.

He says the attraction of economic opportunities, improved infrastructure, and enhanced living standards draws people from rural areas to the city in search of a better life.

“As a result, the city’s population is on a trajectory of steady growth, placing pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services. The increasing population density fuels the expansion of urban areas, leading to the proliferation of residential and commercial developments across the city’s landscape,” he says.

He warns: “The concentration of people in urban areas like this can lead to social inequalities and disparities in access to opportunities.

 Marginalised communities may face barriers to accessing essential services, education, and employment opportunities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and exclusion.”

On his part, an economist from UDSM, Dr Emmanuel Maliti, says the increasing population serves as a driving force behind economic growth and development in Dar es Salaam.

“A larger population means a larger labour force, which attracts businesses, stimulates consumer demand, and drives investment.

The diverse skills and talents of the population contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship, fueling the growth of industries and the expansion of economic opportunities,” he states.

Also read: Will a Mega-Dar es Salaam also be a ‘Smart City’ come 2030?

Another economist from UDSM, Dr Wilhelm Ngasamiaku, says that a larger population translates to a larger consumer market, creating opportunities for businesses to thrive and expand their operations.

“The demand for goods and services increases with the growing population, leading to the growth of retail, hospitality, and other service sectors.

This creates employment opportunities and generates income, contributing to overall economic prosperity,” he says.

An executive director of the research on poverty alleviation (Repoa), Dr Donald Mmari, notes that industrialization leads to the concentration of economic activities in the city, driving urbanisation.

“This urban expansion reshapes the city’s landscape and contributes to its transformation into a megacity,” he states.

He says industries create a vast array of job opportunities across various sectors, attracting people from rural areas and other regions to migrate to Dar es Salaam in search of employment.

“This influx of labour not only drives population growth but also stimulates consumer demand and supports the growth of local businesses and services,” he states.

On the other hand, an economist and lecturer at the University of Dodoma (Udom), Dr Mwinuka Lutengano, says infrastructure development emerges as a central plotline, shaping the city’s urban landscape and economic trajectory.

“This multifaceted tale unfolds against a backdrop of rapid urbanisation, propelled by rural-to-urban migration and natural population growth, as the city strives to accommodate its swelling populace and position itself as a regional powerhouse,” he says.

He went on to say transportation networks, where the arteries of roads, highways, bridges, and public transportation systems pulse with the life force of the city’s mobility.

“These investments not only try to alleviate traffic congestion but also catalyse economic activity, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and labour essential for urban productivity and prosperity.

”Yet, beyond the realm of transportation, the story of utilities and services unfolds, where access to reliable water supply, electricity, sanitation, and waste management services becomes paramount for the city’s well-being.

“We are still lagging in this; there is a need to do more to fasten the transformation because these ensure that the basic needs of residents are met, laying the groundwork for a healthy, resilient, and liveable urban environment,” he reveals.

However, another sociologist from Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Ms Zabibu Idrissa, reveals that the influx of people from diverse backgrounds enriches the cultural landscape of Dar es Salaam, fostering a vibrant and dynamic community.

“The city becomes a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, cross-cultural understanding, and social cohesion.

This diversity contributes to the city’s identity and enhances its attractiveness as a cosmopolitan hub,” she notes.