Housing4Youth: Elevating Youth Voices in Tanzania’s Urban Agenda

As Tanzania undergoes rapid demographic and urban transformation, the question of housing justice has never been more urgent. With a national housing deficit of 3.8 million units and an annual shortfall of 300,000 homes, young Tanzanians, especially those in urban centers, are disproportionately affected by the crisis. Recognizing this, FES Tanzania and Action for Democratic Governance (A4DG) have launched the “Housing for Youth” initiative: a bold, youth-led campaign to amplify affordable housing demands in the lead-up to the 2025 elections.

A Movement Rooted in Justice and Participation

The initiative is more than a series of workshops; it’s a platform for systemic change. Held in Dodoma (September 26th) and Dar es Salaam (October 17th), the program convenes youth activists, urban planners, researchers, and political analysts to explore the intersection of housing, policy, and youth inclusion. Through participatory dialogue, strategic planning, and digital mobilization, the initiative seeks to elevate youth voices in shaping Tanzania’s housing future.

Dodoma Workshop Highlights: Framing the Crisis

The Dodoma session opened with a deep dive into Tanzania’s housing deficit and demographic trends. Ms. Reshian Kanyatila from the Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP) unpacked the structural and policy-related factors driving the crisis, emphasizing the role of rapid urbanization and youth population growth in intensifying housing demand.

Mr. Emanuel Njavike of Housing LAB led a powerful session on urban futures and housing justice, challenging participants to rethink what a Just City means for Tanzanian youth. From informal settlements to planning exclusion, the discussion highlighted the lived realities of young people and the need for inclusive urban development.

Ms. Jacqueline George Godfrey, a town planner, explored political commitments on housing, analyzing party manifestos and their alignment with national development strategies. Her session emphasized the importance of youth accountability mechanisms and digital advocacy in holding leaders to their promises.

The day ended with a group activity where participants identified key pillars of housing justice and charted advocacy strategies both online and offline to promote meaningful change. A key insight from the Dodoma workshop was the youth’s shared decision to focus on regulating rental housing, despite encountering numerous challenges such as unaffordable costs, insecure tenure, and limited homeownership opportunities. This emphasis echoed the real experiences of many young Tanzanians, especially students in rented hostels and young adults starting independent lives, who are directly affected by the complexities and risks of rental agreements.

Dar es Salaam Workshop: Building Momentum

The Dar es Salaam workshop built on Dodoma’s foundation, bringing fresh energy and perspectives to the conversation. Welcoming remarks by Amon Petro (FES Tanzania) and Selemani Makwita (A4DG) set the tone for a day of critical reflection and action.

Ms. Reshian Kanyatila returned to guide participants through the demographic pressures shaping Tanzania’s housing landscape, while Mr. Emanuel Njavike facilitated a dynamic session on youth inclusion in urban planning. His emphasis on challenging dominant narratives and scaling youth-led solutions resonated deeply with attendees.

Mr. Francis A. Ngowi, lecturer at MUHAS, dissected political offers on housing, urging youth to scrutinize electoral promises and engage in policy tracking. The workshop culminated in strategic planning led by Petro and Makwita, followed by group presentations and a collective commitment to sustained engagement.

From Dialogue to Action: What’s Next?

The Housing4Youth initiative is designed to catalyze long-term impact. Expected outputs include:

• Youth-led digital campaigns spotlighting housing priorities
• A public declaration outlining youth demands for affordable housing
• Evidence-based policy recommendations linking housing justice to Tanzania’s 2025–2030 development agenda

By creating platforms for youth to assess political manifestos, engage in urban planning discourse, and mobilize digitally, the initiative positions young Tanzanians as central actors in shaping a more equitable housing future.

A Call to Action

As Tanzania gears up for the 2025 elections, it's essential that youth voices are recognized, not only as voters but also as key shapers of the country's urban future. Housing represents more than mere shelter; it embodies dignity, opportunity, and justice. Facilitated by Housing4EveryYouth, FES Tanzania and A4DG are fostering a movement where young people don’t merely ask for change—they spearhead it.