Lyn Frans
The World Bank has approved a significant investment of $200 million for the Dodoma Integrated and Sustainable Transport (DIST) project, aimed at improving urban mobility in Tanzania‘s capital city,
Dodoma. This initiative is expected to create over 10,000 jobs by 2030 and benefit more than 430,000 residents, including 222,000 women and 81,700 youth.
The DIST project, financed by the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), will focus on upgrading key transport corridors, enhancing access routes, and improving infrastructure in the central business district. It aims to strengthen livelihoods for around 750 public transport drivers and promote a more efficient and sustainable transport system as the population of Dodoma continues to grow.
Nathan Belete, World Bank Division Director for Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, emphasized the importance of addressing transport challenges to sustain economic growth in Dodoma. “As the city grows, ensuring access to safe and efficient transport is critical,” he stated, highlighting the need for infrastructure that aligns with the city’s ambitions.
Since the government’s decision in 1973 to relocate the national capital from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, the city has experienced a rapid population increase, reaching 765,179 by 2022. However, this growth has put a strain on existing infrastructure, which has expanded significantly—growing over 440% since 2000.
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The DIST project aims to tackle urban mobility challenges by focusing on several key initiatives. It will enhance infrastructure and public transport services along strategic multimodal corridors, ensuring better connectivity for residents. Additionally, the project will improve access by developing new pedestrian, cycling, and public transport facilities, promoting reliable transportation options for the community. To further support these efforts, an institutional coordination mechanism will be established, aligning the contributions of various stakeholders involved in the transportation sector.
The project will be implemented by the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), the City Council of Dodoma (CCD), the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (LATRA), and the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA).
The DIST project also benefits from various international partnerships, including support from the Global Smart City Partnership Program and the Japan-World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management.
The IDA has been instrumental in providing grants and low-interest loans to low-income countries, helping them boost economic growth and improve living conditions. Since its inception in 1960, IDA has committed $552 billion to 115 countries, with a significant portion directed towards African nations.
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