Joseph Isangura
A bold vision is taking shape on the shores of Hombolo Dam, where Tanzanian authorities plan to build a new satellite city aimed at boosting tourism, international investment, and diplomatic accommodation in the heart of the country.
The project, announced by the Dodoma City Council, forms part of the ongoing transformation of Dodoma from a political capital into a vibrant administrative and economic hub. The city, which officially became Tanzania’s capital in 1974, has in recent years witnessed rapid growth following the relocation of government offices and ministries from Dar es Salaam.
The proposed satellite city in Hombolo Ward will feature upmarket residential zones designed to host members of the diplomatic corps, complemented by tourist-class hotels, international schools, green recreational parks, and dedicated areas for strategic economic development.
According to officials, the satellite city is being positioned as a modern urban zone that aligns with Tanzania’s goals of urban decentralization and sustainable development.
“It’s more than just buildings and roads,” said one senior planner familiar with the project. “This is about reimagining Dodoma’s role—not just as a seat of government, but as a global city that welcomes diplomats, investors, and tourists alike.”
The project’s location has also been strategically chosen. It lies close to several national landmarks including the Magufuli Government City in Mtumba, the Chamwino State House—the official presidential residence in Dodoma, and the under-construction Msalato International Airport, a major air transport hub intended to connect central Tanzania with the rest of the world.
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Also nearby is the expansive Dodoma Outer Ring Road, a 112.3-kilometer network designed to ease traffic congestion and improve access to suburban areas. According to the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), the first phase of the road is already 91% complete.
City officials have allocated more than TSh7.1 billion (approximately USD $2.7 million) in the current financial year to complete various infrastructure projects in Dodoma’s 41 wards, a move that further supports the groundwork for the Hombolo development.
This is not the first time Tanzania has used satellite cities to drive growth. Similar efforts in Dar es Salaam’s Kigamboni and Bagamoyo have sought to reduce urban congestion and diversify economic opportunities. The Hombolo project is expected to follow a similar trajectory, but with a clear focus on diplomatic living, eco-tourism, and regional integration.
The transformation of Dodoma aligns with the country’s broader development agenda under Tanzania Vision 2025, which emphasizes industrialization, urban modernization, and sustainable growth. For many observers, the launch of a new satellite city in Hombolo could be a game-changer.
“This will redefine how we think of Dodoma,” said Dr. Rehema Nombo, an urban development expert at the University of Dodoma. “It’s not just the administrative seat anymore—it’s becoming a destination.”
