The Government of Tanzania has launched the construction of a new capital city, with a price tag of $5 billion.
The city, named Magufuli, would be a new administrative capital for the East African country, located 17 kilometers from the current capital, Dodoma. It would house mainly government buildings and services, and cover over 617 hectares of land.
Named after former President John Magufuli, who died in office in 2021, the city will be divided into several different zones for different government ministries and diplomatic offices.
According to Construction Review, the building is partially completed, with several government offices currently under construction.
According to the Tanzanian government, the expansion of the new administrative capital city will improve government efficiency and smooth out bureaucratic processes across the country.
The National Housing Corporation, responsible for much of the work on Magufuli city, told Construction Review: “We are aware of the financial and logistical challenges but are committed to seeing this project through.
“The benefits of efficiency, economic growth, and improved quality of life are immense.”
Tanzania is not the only African country looking to improve quality of life with large construction projects.
The mega airport, which will be located near the town of Bishoftu, around 40 kilometers from the capital city Addis Ababa, aims to process 110 million passengers annually once it is fully operational, surpassing all other airports on the continent.
Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive Mesfin Tasew said the project would have large economic implications for Ethiopia, saying, “The project will not only enhance connectivity but also drive economic growth and prioritize environmentally responsible practices in our country and beyond.”
Similarly, a $6 billion futuristic metropolis in Senegal, Africa backed by singer Akon reached a critical moment earlier this year when the Senegalese government issued an ultimatum to commence substantial construction work or risk losing much of the 136 acres of land allocated for the project.
Akon’s original plan for the metropolis, christened Akon City, was to transform an area south of Dakar into a modern, vibrant city that would attract businesses, create jobs, and boost the economy. However, the site remains undeveloped more than four years into the project, with only a single arched concrete block marking the project’s foundation.
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