Infrastructure growth attracts construction investment

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’s sweeping infrastructure drive and a housing deficit exceeding three million units are fuelling surging demand for construction materials, government and trade officials said at an industry expo.

Opening the 27th Build Expo Africa 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development Minister Dr Leonard Akwilapo said the country’s rapid expansion in roads, railways, rapid transit networks, and public facilities has turned the nation into a major construction hub.

“Tanzania is now like a construction site. Roads are being constructed, classrooms are being built, buildings are being constructed, rapid transit is progressing and railways are being built,” he said urging local manufacturers and international investors to scale up production to meet expanding market needs.

The minister said the government supported Build Expo because it enabled professionals, investors and contractors to exchange knowledge and access technologies used in different countries.

Dr Akwilapo encouraged investors and local manufacturers to increase production of construction materials to meet the expanding market.

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He said construction and real estate were strategic sectors under Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which is expected to increase demand for affordable housing, serviced land, commercial and industrial buildings, schools, hospitals and resilient urban infrastructure.

Business Development Manager at the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE), Mr Deo Shayo, said Tanzania’s housing deficit and rapid urbanisation presented significant investment opportunities.

He said the country faced a housing deficit of more than three million units, while annual demand for new housing was about 200,000 units.

Mr Shayo urged international exhibitors to consider establishing local manufacturing operations, joint ventures and partnerships rather than focusing solely on importing finished products.

He said local production could create jobs, strengthen value chains and reduce dependence on imports.

“TANTRADE stands ready to support and guide investors through the relevant regulatory frameworks, trade procedures and business linkages to facilitate successful investment and trade partnerships,” he said.