THE World Bank has approved a major $200 million investment to overhaul urban mobility in Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma, aiming to boost economic growth, improve accessibility, and create thousands of new jobs.
Announced on Wednesday, the funding will support the Dodoma Integrated and Sustainable Transport Project, which is designed to enhance the city’s infrastructure and support its rapidly growing population. According to a statement issued by the global lender, the initiative will benefit over 430,000 residents—more than half of Dodoma’s population.
The World Bank says the project is expected to generate over 10,000 jobs by 2030 and increase the city’s economic output by 2 percent, offering a significant push toward sustainable urban development.
Enhancing mobility in a growing capital
The project will be financed through the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s concessional lending arm for the world’s poorest countries. It aims to address mobility challenges by:
- Upgrading key road corridors
- Improving access routes to residential areas
- Enhancing infrastructure in the central business district
- Expanding walkways and cycling paths to promote greener travel
Nathan Belete, World Bank Country Director for Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, said the move comes at a crucial time as Dodoma has experienced rapid growth since becoming the government’s official seat in 2016.
‘Dodoma’s rapid expansion presents both opportunities and challenges,’ Belete noted. ‘As the city grows, ensuring access to safe and efficient transport is critical to sustaining its economic momentum and improving the quality of life for its residents.’
He added that the project would allow the city to ‘grow sustainably, ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with its ambitions.’
A city on the move
Dodoma’s rise in prominence as the administrative capital has attracted large-scale investments, migration, and urban sprawl. With demand for public transport and road infrastructure rising quickly, the city faces mounting pressure to modernise.
The new transport project aligns with Tanzania’s broader strategy to decentralise development and reduce pressure on Dar es Salaam, while making Dodoma a thriving political and economic hub.
The World Bank has previously supported similar projects across East Africa, but this is one of the largest urban mobility investments in Tanzania to date.
By enhancing access to jobs, services, and markets, the Dodoma Integrated and Sustainable Transport Project is expected to deliver both short-term employment and long-term economic resilience for the city and its people.
