AS the nation celebrates four years of leadership under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, one of the most remarkable achievements of her tenure has been the development of the Government City in Dodoma, also known as Magufuli City.
The city, named after the late President John Magufuli, marks a monumental leap forward in Tanzania’s political and administrative evolution. In just four years, President Samia has successfully continued the execution of critical national projects, with the Government City standing as a key testament to her leadership and vision.
The 4.788 billion US dollars (equivalent to 10.7tri/-) project is a significant investment in the country’s future, aimed at transforming Dodoma into a thriving, modern metropolis that drives both economic growth and administrative efficiency.
The Government City is strategically located 17 kilometres from Dodoma’s city centre in Ihumwa ward, covering more than 617 hectares (1,542 acres).
The city is designed to consolidate all government operations into a single, dynamic centre, ensuring efficiency and streamlined services for Tanzanians.
This project is a critical part of the broader plan to make Dodoma the political and administrative capital of Tanzania, while also serving as a hub for agricultural processing and industrial development.
Positioned centrally, Dodoma is poised to foster further economic transformation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to creating a well-planned, sustainable city that will accommodate the country’s growing population.
A central component of the Magufuli City’s planning is its state-of-the-art infrastructure. The city is designed to use 3,016.7 cubic liters of water per day, with a modern wastewater system that treats and recycles water, ensuring the sustainability of its operations.
This forward-thinking design sets the foundation for a city that will thrive well into the future, capable of adapting to the needs of its residents and businesses.
Urban planning expert Dr Rehema Mshana expressed her support for the centralisation of government offices in one place, stating, “Having all government offices in one place will greatly enhance efficiency. Citizens will no longer need to traverse different parts of Dodoma to get their documents signed.
This centralisation will save time and resources, making government services more accessible to the public.” The vision for the Government City extends beyond just office buildings.
It will include dedicated zones for government ministries, diplomatic offices, national housing, social services, and commercial sectors. It will also feature important institutions such as the Parliament, courts, as well as essential services like parking and waste management.
Each building within the city adheres to a uniform design, creating a cohesive and visually appealing environment that reflects the nation’s aspirations for modernity and unity.
The Government City is poised to become a beacon of progress, where the administrative functions of the nation are harmoniously integrated within a sustainable and future-ready urban space.
The Government City project was originally conceived under the leadership of the late President Magufuli, who championed the idea of moving the capital to Dodoma to create a more decentralised and efficient government.
Although Magufuli passed away in office in March 2021, his vision continues to shape the nation under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Upon taking office, President Samia reassured the nation that the country would continue on the path laid by her predecessor, stating,
“As I promised when I was given the reins of our nation, I will keep up the good work already being done, make improvements as needed, and bring in new good projects under the motto of ‘Kazi Iendelee’.”
Her leadership has ensured that the development of the Government City remains on track, continuing to honour President Magufuli’s legacy while preparing the nation for the challenges of tomorrow.
As of early 2025, significant progress has been made on the Government City project, with the construction of 36 office buildings at Mtumba Government City reaching an impressive 89.4 per cent completion.
This project, which is part of a larger 738 bn/- initiative, has already seen 457 bn/- invested by the government.
The project is on track to be completed in March 2025, marking a major milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to establish a modern, efficient government hub.
Elaborating, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports and Chief Government Spokesperson Mr Gerson Msigwa, expressed his satisfaction with the progress during a recent inspection.
“The work done so far is commendable, and the new office buildings will provide a conducive and efficient working environment for public servants,” he said.
Reinforcing, Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Mr Anthony Mtaka, also voiced his optimism for the city’s growing role in the nation’s economy.
“Dodoma is no longer just the political capital; it is becoming a real economic and administrative centre. The Government City will attract investment and improve the quality of life for our residents.”
Looking to the future, the Government City project will continue to expand, with further phases planned for development in the coming years.
The ultimate goal is to have the entire project completed by 2030, making Dodoma a fully integrated government and commercial hub. In line with this vision, sustainable development remains a top priority. The city will incorporate green spaces, cultural centres, and recreational facilities to ensure a balanced urban environment where work and leisure coexist harmoniously .
The Government City will not only transform Dodoma but also serve as a model for urban development across the nation.
