The Just City in Tanzania

Almost half of Tanzania’s population (49 percent; UN-DESA 2018) will reside in cities by 2040. Despite this fast urban population growth rate, urbanization in Tanzania happens unplanned which reproduces and aggravates inequality. This is evidenced by the lack of access to affordable services, such as housing and mobility. The urban space is typically seen as largely informal, but the informal and formal are closely interconnected.

Since 2020, FES brings together an independent, multidisciplinary coalition of urban practitioners under the umbrella of ‘Just City Platform’ (JCP) – that comes forward with progressive proposals for the gender and socially just provision of public goods and services, for example, housing. This is done, so that urbanization which is characterized by informality such as informal residence, informal occupation as well as informal interactions with authorities, can be shaped in a more far-sighted, people-centered and inclusive direction. Increasing citizen participation in urban planning and building alliances – where those who have knowledge about challenges and who are directly impacted, are linked with NGOs, professionals and academia, local government authorities and community leaders ­– will transform urban development towards sustainable, context sensitive solutions for the supply of public services and goods and urban infrastructure.

The aspiration of a Just City

The concept of the Just City envisions urban environments where diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to city governance and design. Ensuring that all residents, regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, or ethnicity, have equal access to opportunities and services such as decent work, health care, transport, education, and housing is at the core of the Just City. This concept aims to create spaces that foster dignity by recognizing residents of informal areas as equal citizens and emphasizes democratic urban planning that includes diverse voices and perspectives. Public safety is a priority, focusing on physical safety, adequate space, and social safety mechanisms, especially for vulnerable groups like women, the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. Accessibility and affordability are key for a socially inclusive Just Cities.

In cooperation with local, regional, and international partners, FES addresses critical urban challenges such as transport and housing, promoting sustainability and resilience to ensure a fair, inclusive, and sustainable urban future for all. For further information on our Just City work in Africa, see our Just City Website.

Insights from the Pre-event to the First African Urban Forum 2024: Watch the Replay!
Event

Insights from the Pre-event to the First African Urban Forum 2024: Watch the Replay!

From September 4-6, 2024, the African Union hosted the inaugural African Urban Forum (AUF) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme “Sustainable Urbanization for Africa’s Transformation: Agenda 2063.” Leading up to the... More

The mixed plate of urban dreams and realities in East Africa
Article

The mixed plate of urban dreams and realities in East Africa

A comparative report by Francis Kibirige, John Martin Kewaza, Fred Male, Pius Tibaingana, and Stevenson Ssevume, published by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, shows that economic factors are the driving force behind... More

Just City Hackathon
Event

Just City Hackathon

FES, in collaboration with the Just City Platform’s Housing Working Group and Ardhi University (ARU), hosted a hackathon to empower young people to... More

A feminist perspective on urban justice
Article

A feminist perspective on urban justice

While sharing the struggle to make life better for their families, neighbours, and communities, women in poverty who are household heads face greater hardships More

Urban October – focusing on local communities and their territories is key
Article

Urban October – focusing on local communities and their territories is key

In 2023, the theme of Urban October is “resilient urban economies: cities as motors of growth and recovery”, with a noticeable focus on recovering urban economies and tightening global financial conditions. More

Urban Housing Book Release: Opening Remarks and Discussion – Watch the Replay!
Publication

Urban Housing Book Release: Opening Remarks and Discussion – Watch the Replay!

The Just City Platform in Tanzania promotes just cities focusing on housing justice and democratizing urban transformations. The recent publication highlights insights from researchers and practitioners, aiming to... More

Urban infrastructure financialisation in African cities

Okonjo, Jeremmy; Jebichii Sego, Janet; Chege, Olive

Urban infrastructure financialisation in African cities

DaresSalaam,2024, 2024

Download publication (440 KB, PDF-File)


Pathways to just, resilient and livable African cities

Lukalo-Owino, Rose; Omenya, Alfred; Akoth, Steve Ouma

Pathways to just, resilient and livable African cities

DaresSalaam,2024, 2024

Download publication (2 MB, PDF-File)


Building the just city in Tanzania

Building the just city in Tanzania

Essays on urban housing
DaresSalaam,2023, 2023

Download publication (10 MB, PDF-File)


Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Tanzania Office

P.O.Box 4472
6 Mwai Kibaki Road
Dar es Salaam

+255 (0) 22 2668575
+255 (0) 22 2668786

info.tanzania(at)fes.de

Just City Principles

Just City Principles

Imagine a city where everyone—regardless of their background—has equal access to opportunities and services that promote a dignified life... More

Just City Platform in Tanzania

Just City Platform in Tanzania

The Just City Platform (JCP) Tanzania is an independent, multidisciplinary coalition of urban practitioners, trade union and civil society organization members More

Just City in Africa

Just City in Africa

See our work on Just City in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Cameroon More