Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s bustling commercial hub, has been ranked fourth globally among the world’s top megacities recognized for their intelligent infrastructure and urban innovation, according to a new international report.
The report highlights Dar es Salaam’s massive investment in modern infrastructure, including smart road systems, public transport upgrades, digital city services, and sustainable energy solutions.
The city was praised for its integrated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network, improved drainage systems to tackle floods, and expansion of smart electricity meters that help residents manage power consumption efficiently.
Dar es Salaam is the only city in East Africa to make it into the top five, joining global heavyweights such as:
1. Singapore
2. Seoul
3. Dubai
4. Dar es Salaam
5. Shanghai
This recognition puts Tanzania on the global map as a leader in smart city development and shows the government’s efforts in modernizing urban spaces are paying off.
The report cited several reasons for the high ranking:
Digital Transformation: Introduction of e-government services and online payment systems that make city services faster and more transparent.
Urban Mobility: Expansion of BRT phases and development of smart traffic light systems to reduce congestion.
Sustainability: Promotion of green building codes and solar-powered street lighting to cut emissions.
Resilience: Ongoing flood mitigation projects and climate-resilient infrastructure in flood-prone neighborhoods.
Urban experts say Dar es Salaam’s transformation has boosted investor confidence, improved quality of life, and created new jobs in construction, IT, and public service sectors.
“This achievement shows that African cities can lead in technology-driven development,” said an urban planner from Ardhi University. “Dar es Salaam is proving that smart infrastructure is not just for developed nations — it can work here and improve lives.”
City authorities have announced that the next phase will focus on:
• Expanding the BRT to reach suburban areas.
• Building more smart housing projects.
• Launching a citywide waste-to-energy program.
• Strengthening digital security for government services.
As Dar es Salaam continues to grow — it is projected to have over 10 million residents by 2035 — experts say investing in smart infrastructure is critical to avoid future congestion, pollution, and housing crises.
The ranking is expected to attract foreign investors, tech companies, and development partners eager to participate in the city’s rapid transformation.
