Call for Submissions: Just Housing Solutions for Urban Tanzania

Tanzania is experiencing rapid urban growth that is more pronounced in unplanned and self-built settlements within which poverty and exclusion are prevalent. Local government planning authorities are facing immense drawbacks in managing the increasing urban sprawl, while global issues like climate change and the financialization of infrastructure are intensifying the situation. 

In addressing this challenge, the Just City Platform Tanzania (JCP) in collaboration with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), Habitat for Humanity (T) and Ardhi University (ARU) are organizing this urban hackathon. The goal is to explore innovation and concerted efforts in creating just cities that provide safe and equitable housing for all Tanzanians. Moreover, the event aims to mobilize participants around the idea of socially just housing and foster collaborative problem-solving. 

We invite all built environment professionals e.g., urban planners, architects, civil engineers as well as ARU students and staff, among others, to be a part of this explorative event. It should be noted that the selected participants will form interdisciplinary teams of 2-5 individuals preferably transcending to other cross-cutting professions such as community development, economics and information technology. This will enable to provide a platform for networking, nurturing, and incubating youth-led urban solutions. 

The hackathon emphasizes the importance of locally informed design, that is needs-based, responsible, adequate, realistic, and ultimately sustainable. The participants with the best innovative solutions may be linked up with local authorities that may be willing to support the winning proposals.  

To apply, please submit your application including your name, contact information, affiliation (if any), and a brief statement of your motivation and relevant skills of no more than 1,500 words. Applications should be sent to info.tanzania(at)fes.de. Please note that applications are open from 9^th August to 5^th September 2023. The applicants will be notified of the outcome of the selection process via email by 6^th September 2023. 

In case of any need for additional information, please call +255 22 2668 575 during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

We look forward to receiving your applications and welcoming you to the Just City Hackathon in Tanzania.