Dar es Salaam is rolling out a new wave of affordable housing aimed at easing the burden on young workers, as the government moves to tackle a growing urban housing deficit.
Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega, said newly employed and self-employed youth will be given priority in accessing the houses being constructed by the state, describing the initiative as part of a sustained national strategy rather than a one-off intervention.
He made the remarks during a visit to a 144-unit housing project in Temeke District, being implemented by the Tanzania Buildings Agency.
The development, now underway in Dar es Salaam, comprises 72 one-bedroom units with a living room, kitchen and bathroom, and another 72 two-bedroom units, each featuring a self-contained master bedroom alongside shared facilities.
Ulega said the government’s decision is informed by the reality that many young Tanzanians—especially those at the start of their careers or in informal employment—struggle to secure decent housing within reach of their workplaces.
“Tanzania still faces a significant housing shortage. We have therefore begun taking deliberate steps to address this challenge, starting with key urban centres,” he said.
The minister added that the initiative has already received backing from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, with similar projects approved for Dodoma and other fast-growing cities.
He said the programme will be expanded gradually across regions, guided by demand and urban growth patterns, as part of broader efforts to improve living conditions and support productivity among the youth.
For many young workers, long commutes driven by the lack of affordable housing in city centres have become routine, often eating into working hours and increasing daily costs.
Ulega said bringing housing closer to areas with economic opportunities is intended to reverse that trend, allowing youth to spend more time on productive activities instead of navigating transport and rental challenges.
He stressed that the housing push is embedded in the country’s long-term development agenda, particularly the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, and is not confined to a single ministry.
“This is a national priority. Housing is central to our long-term vision, and what you are seeing here is part of its implementation,” he said.
As Dar es Salaam continues to expand, the success of such projects could prove critical in shaping how the city accommodates its growing young population while sustaining economic momentum.
