TZ balances coastal infrastructure with environmental protection

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S investment in coastal infrastructure, exemplified by the Kigamboni Bridge in Dar es Salaam, reflects the country’s efforts to connect economic development with environmental conservation as it advances its climate and blue economy agenda ahead of COP31 in Türkiye.

The bridge, officially known as the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Bridge, has transformed connectivity between Kigamboni and the rest of Dar es Salaam, providing an important transport link while supporting economic activities in one of the city’s rapidly developing coastal districts.

Beyond its transport function, the landmark infrastructure illustrates the importance of planning development around coastal areas in ways that support economic growth while recognising the environmental value of marine and coastal ecosystems.

The government is increasingly emphasising this balance as Tanzania seeks to strengthen its contribution to international climate action, promote sustainable use of marine resources and protect communities whose livelihoods depend on healthy coastal environments.

Through the Office of the VicePresident (Union and Environment), the government has continued to advance policies and interventions aimed at strengthening environmental management, protecting marine ecosystems and improving resilience to climate-related risks.

These priorities are particularly relevant to Tanzania’s participation in the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), where coastal resilience, climate adaptation, environmental protection and sustainable development remain important areas of international engagement.

The Kigamboni Bridge provides a practical illustration of how strategic infrastructure can improve connectivity and open economic opportunities, while the surrounding coastal environment requires complementary conservation measures to ensure that development remains sustainable.

The Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Bridge connects Kurasini and Kigamboni across Kurasini Creek, providing an alternative route between the southern part of Dar es Salaam and the city’s commercial centre.

The 680-metre cable-stayed bridge was officially opened on April 19, 2016, by the late President John Magufuli. According to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), the project was implemented through a joint venture between the fund, which contributed 60 per cent of the project financing, and the government, which contributed the remaining 40 per cent.

Construction began in February 2012 and included 2.5 kilometres of approach roads linking the bridge to the surrounding road network.

The bridge has six vehicle lanes, with three in each direction, and two pedestrian and cycling lanes, improving the movement of people and goods between Kigamboni and other parts of the city.

Before its construction, the ferry service was the principal direct connection between the two areas, with passenger and vehicle movements dependent on ferry operations.

The bridge provided an additional transport link, improving accessibility and supporting the movement of commuters, businesses and commercial traffic.

Its importance extends beyond reducing travel constraints. Improved connectivity has strengthened the potential for investment in Kigamboni, where land, tourism, industrial and commercial activities offer opportunities for further economic development.

The district’s coastal location also provides opportunities for tourism, fisheries, maritime-related businesses and other activities associated with the blue economy.

Better transport infrastructure can support these sectors by improving access to markets, services and investment locations. The bridge is therefore an important component of the wider infrastructure network supporting Dar es Salaam’s economic expansion.

Why coastal protection is a development priority

While infrastructure is essential for economic growth, the sustainability of coastal development depends on the protection of the natural ecosystems surrounding it. Tanzania’s coastline supports important economic activities, including fisheries, tourism, maritime transport and trade.

It also contains ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and coastal wetlands that provide environmental services and support the livelihoods of millions of people. These ecosystems contribute to biodiversity conservation, protect shorelines, support fish breeding and help communities withstand some of the impacts of climate change.

However, coastal and marine environments face increasing pressure from pollution, plastic waste, habitat degradation, unsustainable resource use and changing climatic conditions.

The Vice-President’s Office has identified these issues as important priorities in the country’s environmental management agenda.

In October 2026, Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Engineer Hamad Yussuf Masauni, emphasised the importance of integrated coastal and marine environmental management, describing healthy marine ecosystems as fundamental to fisheries, tourism, climate resilience and long-term blue economy development.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Narend Singh, on the sidelines of the 12th Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention in Dar es Salaam, Masauni identified marine pollution, plastic waste, degradation of marine habitats, climate change and competing uses of coastal areas among the challenges requiring attention.

He said Tanzania wanted to strengthen cooperation with South Africa in marine science, technology and innovation to improve environmental monitoring, research and the sustainable development of industries dependent on marine resources.

The cooperation also provides opportunities to exchange experience in integrated coastal management, marine protected areas and conservation of marine resources. Such priorities demonstrate that coastal development must be approached through coordinated planning that considers both economic requirements and environmental sustainability.

For Kigamboni, this means ensuring that growing residential, commercial, tourism and industrial activities are supported by effective environmental management.

Protecting coral reefs and marine biodiversity

Tanzania’s National Environmental Policy 2021 provides a framework for addressing environmental challenges affecting aquatic ecosystems, including coastal and marine habitats.

The policy identifies pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, mangrove destruction, coral mining, unmanaged tourism and infrastructure expansion among pressures affecting aquatic environments.

It also recognises that climate change can intensify these pressures, threatening biodiversity and the ability of marine ecosystems to support human livelihoods.

The policy documents several government interventions undertaken to strengthen climate resilience and protect coastal resources. Among the reported achievements is the restoration of 3,000 square metres of coral reef at Sinda and Makatube reefs in Kigamboni.

The intervention is significant because coral reefs provide important habitats for marine organisms, support fisheries and contribute to coastal protection. Healthy coral ecosystems also support tourism and other economic activities that depend on marine biodiversity.

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The policy further reports the construction of a 500-metre seawall at Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial College in Dar es Salaam, alongside other coastal protection infrastructure. Other interventions include the restoration of 792 hectares of degraded mangrove areas in Rufiji and 200 hectares in Kisiwa Panza, Pemba.

These measures form part of wider efforts to improve the resilience of coastal communities and protect ecosystems against environmental degradation and climaterelated impacts.

Mangroves, in particular, play an important role in stabilising shorelines, supporting fish breeding and providing habitats for different marine species. They also store significant quantities of carbon, making their conservation relevant to climate mitigation.

The restoration of coral reefs and mangrove forests therefore demonstrates how environmental protection can complement infrastructure development and strengthen the economic value of coastal areas. Blue economy offers opportunities for growth The protection of marine ecosystems is closely linked to Tanzania’s ambition to expand its blue economy.

The blue economy encompasses sustainable economic activities associated with oceans, seas, lakes and other aquatic resources, including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport and related industries.

For Tanzania, the coastline and marine resources provide opportunities to diversify economic activities, generate employment and increase the contribution of oceanbased sectors to national development.

Kigamboni is strategically positioned to benefit from these opportunities because of its coastal location, improved road connectivity and proximity to Dar es Salaam’s commercial and industrial activities.

The bridge strengthens access between the district and the wider city, potentially supporting tourism establishments, businesses, residential development and other investments. However, the long-term benefits of these opportunities depend on responsible management of coastal resources.

Uncontrolled development, pollution and destruction of marine habitats can undermine the very natural assets on which coastal tourism, fisheries and other blue economy activities depend. This makes environmental planning an essential part of investment decisions.

The Vice-President’s Office has stressed the need to strengthen cooperation between government institutions, the private sector and development partners in managing marine resources and promoting sustainable investment.

During the October 2026 engagement with South Africa, Masauni highlighted opportunities for cooperation in marine monitoring, research, aquaculture technologies and marine biotechnology.

He also pointed to the potential for increased investment, employment, innovation and improved value addition in fisheries products. These priorities demonstrate the importance of linking environmental conservation with economic activities that create value from marine resources without undermining their sustainability.

Climate change increases pressure on coastal communities Tanzania’s coastal areas are increasingly exposed to climate-related risks, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, changing rainfall patterns and damage to marine ecosystems. These pressures can affect infrastructure, settlements, tourism facilities and economic activities located along the shoreline.

The National Environmental Policy 2021 recognises climate change as an important challenge requiring stronger adaptation measures, improved institutional coordination and increased investment. It also identifies the need to strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector, promote public awareness and enhance international cooperation in addressing climate-related impacts.

The policy highlights the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems and strengthening their capacity to provide ecological services and support socioeconomic wellbeing. For Kigamboni, coastal resilience is particularly important as the district experiences expanding economic and residential activities.

The protection of coral reefs, coastal vegetation and other natural habitats should therefore complement investment in roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure. This integrated approach can help reduce environmental risks while preserving the natural resources that support the district’s long-term economic potential.

It also reinforces the need for environmental impact assessments, effective development controls and compliance with environmental regulations when implementing projects in sensitive coastal areas. The Kigamboni Bridge demonstrates the transformative role of infrastructure in improving accessibility and supporting economic development.

However, the broader lesson is that infrastructure investment and environmental conservation must advance together. Transport connectivity can stimulate commercial activities, increase movement of people and goods and encourage investment in surrounding areas.

At the same time, the expansion of economic activities can increase pressure on land, water resources, waste management systems and coastal ecosystems. The challenge for urban and coastal authorities is to ensure that development does not compromise the environmental foundations of future economic growth.

This requires coordinated planning involving transport authorities, environmental institutions, local government authorities, investors and communities. It also requires investment in sanitation, waste collection, wastewater treatment and coastal protection infrastructure.

The National Environmental Policy 2021 emphasises integrated management of marine, freshwater and wetland ecosystems, including collaboration between government and the private sector. It also recognises the importance of community participation in environmental conservation.

Beach Management Units and other community-based arrangements provide mechanisms through which local residents can participate in managing fisheries and protecting coastal resources. Such participation is particularly important because communities living along the coast are directly affected by environmental changes and depend on marine resources for their livelihoods.

COP31 and the wider climate agenda Tanzania’s coastal development and environmental conservation priorities provide an important context for its engagement at COP31 in Antalya. The conference offers an international platform for countries to discuss climate mitigation, adaptation, climate finance and cooperation in addressing the effects of climate change.

For coastal countries such as Tanzania, the protection of marine ecosystems and the resilience of coastal infrastructure are important components of the wider climate agenda. The country’s experience in coral reef restoration, coastal protection, mangrove conservation and infrastructure development provides practical examples of interventions that can support climate resilience.

The Kigamboni Bridge represents the infrastructure dimension of this development agenda, while the restoration of coral reefs at Sinda and Makatube and other coastal conservation interventions demonstrate the importance of protecting natural ecosystems.

Together, these efforts reflect the need to pursue economic development while safeguarding environmental resources. Dira 2050 provides the longterm national framework for this ambition, with its emphasis on sustainable development, infrastructure expansion, environmental protection and improved living standards.

Achieving these objectives will require continued investment in resilient infrastructure, stronger environmental institutions, appropriate technologies and effective partnerships. It will also require ensuring that communities benefit from development while participating in the protection of natural resources.

As Kigamboni continues to develop, maintaining a balance between infrastructure expansion and environmental conservation will remain important. The bridge has improved connectivity and created a stronger foundation for economic activities, but the sustainability of the district’s development will also depend on how effectively its coastal and marine resources are protected.

The government’s reported coral reef restoration initiatives, coastal protection measures and wider marine conservation programmes provide a basis for strengthening this balance. The next priority is to sustain these interventions through regular monitoring, adequate financing, scientific research and greater involvement of communities and private investors.

For Tanzania, the broader objective is to ensure that coastal development generates lasting economic benefits without undermining the ecosystems that support fisheries, tourism and the livelihoods of coastal populations.

As the country advances its climate agenda at COP31, Kigamboni offers an illustration of the relationship between infrastructure, environmental stewardship and the blue economy.

The message is that sustainable development is not simply about building bridges, roads and other infrastructure. It is also about protecting the natural environment, strengthening climate resilience and ensuring that economic progress benefits present and future generations.