Tanzania’s AAT seeks investors’ involvement in creating well-planned cities

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA is exploring significant potential to improve the planning and organisation of its big cities by engaging its citizens, investors and professionals in implementing sustainable urban development strategies.

 This was revealed by the President of the Architects Association of Tanzania (AAT), Meck T’chawi, during his press conference with the media outlets in Dar es Salaam yesterday, March 12, 2026, saying the possibility of restoring order and proper urban structure in the city exists, provided experts in the relevant fields are fully utilised.

To effectively address the issue, he said more than 600 professionals from the construction and urban planning sectors will meet in Morogoro from April 9 to 10, this year, for a high-level conference aimed at discussing the future of the Tanzanian cities development, the use of modern technology, and emerging professional practices within the built environment.

The two-day meeting will bring together specialists from 12 different disciplines including architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, urban planners, contractors and project managers.

The gathering is expected to serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing professional experiences and exploring innovative approaches to address growing urban challenges.

AAT President said the annual conference will focus on strengthening collaboration among professionals while promoting the integration of new technologies in planning and construction.

T’chawi also addressed concerns frequently raised about urban planning, particularly in rapidly expanding cities such as Dar es Salaam.

He argued that, contrary to public perception, most cities in Tanzania were properly planned from the outset, noting that urban planning frameworks date back to the German colonial period and have continued to evolve under successive administrations.

“All cities in the country have been planned,” T’chawi said.

“What creates the impression of poor planning is the rapid population growth, especially in cities like Dar es Salaam.”

ALSO READ: Architects urged to value culture, sustainability

He explained that architects and other construction professionals rely on official city plans prepared by the Ministry of Lands through the urban planning department when designing buildings and infrastructure projects.

T’chawi, who also serves as President of the East Africa Institute of Architects (EAIA), said the conference will attract a wide range of participants, including interior designers, landscape architects, technology designers, construction managers, project supervisors, engineers, contractors and property developers.

This year’s conference will be held under the theme: “Planned Urbanisation for Cities in Transition”

Meanwhile, quantity surveyor Catherine Bhoke from the Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors (TIQS) confirmed that preparations for the conference have been completed in collaboration with several institutions involved in the construction sector.

Bhoke emphasized the crucial role quantity surveyors play in determining accurate project costs.

“It is impossible to undertake construction without understanding the financial requirements,” she said. “Quantity surveyors ensure that proper budgets are prepared for building projects.”

AAT Vice President Fortunata Msakamali said the conference will also focus on sustainable urban planning approaches to ensure cities remain safe, resilient and capable of supporting both current and future development needs.