TANGA, Tanzania – In an era of accelerating urban evolution, Tanga City is emerging as a beacon of transformative growth and youth-driven innovation, largely propelled by the ambitious TangaYetu initiative. This groundbreaking endeavor, passionately championed by local leadership and significantly supported by Fondation Botnar, embodies a bold vision: to mold Tanga into a truly “Smart City”—a sustainable, inclusive urban tapestry where young people not only survive but emphatically thrive. At the helm of this monumental undertaking is Mhe. Abdurahman Omary Shiloow, the esteemed Mayor of Tanga City, whose unwavering advocacy has strategically guided TangaYetu towards impactful, community-rooted projects that resonate deeply with the city’s broader aspirations for robust economic development and profound social empowerment.
Mayor Shiloow recently offered an illuminating, in-depth perspective on the multifaceted layers of TangaYetu, its discernible impact on the very fabric of Tanga’s urban landscape, and the distinct pathways it has meticulously forged toward a more vibrant, youth-friendly metropolis. As he candidly shared both the notable achievements and the inherent challenges encountered, Mayor Shiloow meticulously articulated how TangaYetu has meticulously laid the foundational groundwork, serving as a pivotal catalyst in the earnest actualization of the Smart City vision for Tanga.
The Mayor recounted the foundational genesis of TangaYetu, which formally commenced its comprehensive implementation in 2021, building upon extensive preliminary groundwork meticulously conducted between 2019 and 2020. “We had the preliminary groundwork meticulously laid in 2019, but the full-scale implementation truly kicked off with vigor in 2021,” he noted, emphasizing the deliberate and phased approach. Over an intensive period of three years, TangaYetu has successfully conceived, developed, and executed an impressive portfolio of over ten major projects. These initiatives span critical sectors including education, digital access, economic empowerment, and essential urban infrastructure, all strategically designed to uplift Tanga’s burgeoning young population and foster the creation of an even more cohesive and integrated community.
“At its very heart, TangaYetu was meticulously designed with a singular, overarching purpose: to render Tanga a significantly more youth-friendly city,” Shiloow elaborated with conviction. “The government’s inherent goal is to proactively create cities that robustly engage young people in a unequivocally positive manner, and TangaYetu has unequivocally supplemented existing government efforts in ways we simply could not have achieved entirely on our own.” He further underscored that the initiative has effectively propelled Tanga to an unprecedented new echelon of growth and dynamic engagement, proactively assisting both youth and diverse communities across the city in actively exploring novel opportunities and tangibly enhancing their overall quality of life.
Key Projects and Their Transformative Resonance
The Revitalization of Jamhuri Park: A Dynamic New Recreational Epicenter
Among the most visually striking and profoundly impactful transformations orchestrated by TangaYetu is the remarkable revitalization of Jamhuri Park, affectionately known by locals as Forodhani, strategically situated along the historic Independence Avenue. Formerly an underutilized and largely neglected open expanse, Jamhuri Park has been spectacularly re-envisioned and transformed into a vibrant, pulsating recreational hub. “The park’s comprehensive redevelopment, which benefited from substantial funding exceeding 1.6 billion TZS, has directly created invaluable employment opportunities for more than 50 young people,” Mayor Shiloow proudly announced. These enterprising young vendors now proficiently operate modern kiosks, offering an array of food and refreshments, thereby providing them with a steady, reliable income stream and crucially supporting their families.
Beyond its economic benefits, Jamhuri Park has swiftly blossomed into a cherished community space, drawing in people of all ages—from diligent students seeking quiet corners to families enjoying leisurely afternoons—who utilize the park as a tranquil sanctuary to relax, study, or simply socialize. “Jamhuri Park is now an undeniable true attraction for our beloved city,” Shiloow noted with a discernible sense of accomplishment. “It offers a safe, inviting space for youth to genuinely unwind, and it has undeniably reshaped our city’s public image, serving as a powerful testament to what we can collectively accomplish through a truly shared vision.”
Cultivating Digital Literacy and Online Business Acumen for Youth
Addressing the burgeoning and critical need for enhanced digital literacy in the modern age, TangaYetu has successfully trained over 100 young individuals in essential digital skills, fundamentally empowering them to confidently navigate and actively participate in the dynamic online economy. “This targeted digital training has proven absolutely critical in proactively helping our youth access lucrative freelance work, engage in vibrant e-commerce, and utilize vital digital services,” Shiloow remarked, highlighting the immediate practical applications. Remarkably, among the diligent trainees, 40 have successfully secured remote employment, marking a significant and tangible stride toward greater economic inclusion. “Through the empowering framework of TangaYetu, youth have demonstrably overcome their initial apprehension of technology and discovered newfound confidence in proficiently navigating complex digital platforms,” he observed. “This represents a truly transformative leap for our city and, more importantly, for the individual lives of these exceptional young people.”
Economic Empowerment through Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries
Empowering youth economically has consistently remained a foundational cornerstone of the TangaYetu initiative. Within its comprehensive agricultural programs, over 1,000 young individuals have received invaluable practical training through meticulously managed “demonstration farms,” where they diligently acquire hands-on farming techniques that they can later confidently implement independently. Shiloow meticulously explained that this intensive training phase will ultimately culminate in strategic land allocations, enabling these young beneficiaries to apply their newly acquired skills in authentic, real-world agricultural settings. “Through these innovative demonstration farms, our young people are progressively gaining the essential skills they unequivocally need to sustainably grow and expand their nascent businesses,” he affirmed.
Furthermore, TangaYetu has thoughtfully equipped youth with durable fiber boats, specifically designed to bolster sustainable fishing practices and robust seaweed farming initiatives. “We meticulously distributed 14 high-quality fiber boats specifically for dedicated seaweed farmers, predominantly women, and an additional 10 boats for our vibrant youth fishing groups,” Shiloow proudly shared. This forward-thinking initiative has provided an environmentally conscious and remarkably cost-effective means for local communities to actively pursue aquaculture and significantly enhance their livelihoods. “These technologically advanced boats are individually valued at between 10 and 20 million TZS each,” he noted with emphasis, “and they were generously provided free of charge to robustly support our youth and actively encourage the adoption of sustainable environmental practices.”
Essential Infrastructure for Education: Desks, Chairs, and Vital Resources
TangaYetu has strategically invested substantially in bolstering educational infrastructure, directly addressing critical shortages in classroom seating across the city. “We meticulously distributed 4,090 robust desks for primary schools, thereby enabling a remarkable 12,270 students to have proper, dignified seating,” Shiloow reported, detailing the expansive reach of the initiative. For secondary schools, an additional 3,019 chairs and 3,846 desks were thoughtfully provided, dramatically improving the learning conditions across Tanga. This pivotal initiative has made a profound and immediate difference, enabling students to concentrate more effectively and significantly enhancing the overall teaching and learning environment. “Through these strategic investments, TangaYetu has empowered us to provide high-quality education facilities to many thousands of deserving students,” Shiloow stated with profound pride.
Confronting Gender-Based Violence and Fostering Child Safety
Acknowledging Tanga’s alarmingly high incidence of gender-based violence (GBV) relative to its population size, TangaYetu has proactively launched critical education initiatives specifically focused on robustly reducing GBV and meticulously cultivating safe, nurturing environments for children. “Despite having a population just under 400,000, Tanga has regrettably reported more cases of GBV than even significantly larger cities,” Shiloow pointed out with grave concern, underscoring the urgency of the matter. This deeply alarming trend prompted TangaYetu to forge vital partnerships with local schools, enabling the provision of comprehensive education on GBV prevention and robust child protection measures.
TangaYetu’s comprehensive program on GBV, strategically designed for gradual yet profound impact, is meticulously instilling crucial behavioral changes that will undoubtedly benefit future generations. “Through these diligent efforts, we are actively safeguarding our future leaders and citizens, diligently fostering a more compassionate, aware, and ultimately healthier community,” Shiloow asserted. This vital program is directly addressing the insidious root causes of GBV and proactively promoting the crucial psychological well-being for affected children, thereby contributing significantly to a more harmonious and just society.
Road Safety Initiatives in Collaboration with AMEND
In a crucial partnership with the esteemed NGO AMEND, TangaYetu has diligently worked to significantly enhance road safety within the city, with a particular focus on areas surrounding schools. This impactful initiative involved the strategic installation of new, critical pedestrian infrastructure in the vicinity of several primary schools, thereby substantially reducing risks for children commuting to and from their educational institutions. The program also provided invaluable, specialized training for boda boda (motorcycle taxi) drivers, who frequently transport children during busy morning hours. “More than 600 boda boda drivers received comprehensive training on safe driving practices, which has resulted in a noticeable and commendable reduction in accidents,” Shiloow confirmed. This initiative has proven instrumental in significantly curbing the incidence of road accidents, offering parents greater peace of mind regarding their children’s safe travel.
Navigating Challenges and Fortifying Partnerships
Reflecting candidly on TangaYetu’s initial phase, Mayor Shiloow openly acknowledged several operational challenges encountered, particularly concerning coordination between TangaYetu’s diverse implementing partners and the city government. “There were instances of delayed approvals and complex coordination issues, largely because we initially had three distinct separate entities managing finances, project implementation, and overall oversight,” he explained. However, significant and commendable improvements have been implemented in Phase II, with a more streamlined and efficient structure that consolidates both financial and project management responsibilities under a single, dedicated organization, Innovex. This strategic consolidation is widely anticipated to significantly reduce delays and substantially enhance overall efficiency.
Another key challenge identified was the intricate process of aligning project priorities. “The city naturally desired to serve the community at large, while TangaYetu’s foundational focus was primarily concentrated on youth development,” Shiloow noted. This inherent difference in focus necessitated continuous and constructive dialogue to ensure that both immediate and long-term community needs were effectively met. Furthermore, an initial lack of clear understanding regarding program sustainability raised legitimate concerns about how TangaYetu’s positive impact would be maintained in the post-project period. To proactively address this, the Tanga City Council has commendably allocated dedicated budgetary resources to robustly support ongoing initiatives, such as STEM education and vital agricultural programs.
The Indispensable Role of Cultural Sensitivity in Program Implementation
While Tanga has demonstrated remarkable adaptability to the TangaYetu programs, Mayor Shiloow offered insightful reflections on the paramount importance of cultural understanding in effectively engaging with youth. He observed that Tanga’s diverse, vibrant urban population has generally shown a high degree of receptiveness to change. “Cities like Tanga, with their rich mix of communities, tend to exhibit greater adaptability,” he explained. However, certain challenges, such as the natural ambition of youth and their sometimes-unrealistic expectations for immediate results, have presented hurdles. “We’ve observed some youth grappling with the concept of gradual progress—they often desire quick, instantaneous results,” Shiloow acknowledged. To address this, TangaYetu has implemented a vital “Mindset Change” program, specifically designed to help youth comprehend that sustainable growth necessitates patience, persistent effort, and meticulous strategic planning.
Future Trajectories for TangaYetu: Forging a Sustainable Smart City
Looking resolutely toward the future, Mayor Shiloow emphatically underscored the critical importance of actively engaging all stakeholders, including the youth themselves, in collaboratively shaping the strategic direction of TangaYetu. “In this pivotal second phase, we are directly involving youth in the crucial process of setting priorities for the projects that directly impact them,” he explained with conviction. “The youth eloquently articulate the saying, ‘Nothing for us without us,’ and we are profoundly committed to honoring that principle by making them active and empowered participants in the fundamental decision-making process.”
Mayor Shiloow envisions a more deeply integrated approach in the forthcoming phase, where community members, local government entities, and youth organizations will collaborate even more closely to meticulously sustain the positive and far-reaching impacts of TangaYetu. He emphatically noted that long-term sustainability remains at the absolute forefront of the city’s strategic agenda. “We are diligently allocating dedicated municipal budget to key, foundational projects like the demonstration farms and the burgeoning STEMPark to unequivocally ensure their enduring continuity,” he affirmed.
A Lasting Legacy of Innovation and Resilience for Tanga
TangaYetu’s demonstrable successes across the crucial domains of education, economic empowerment, and infrastructure development have meticulously laid a robust and enduring foundation for Tanga’s comprehensive transformation into a truly Smart City. Through its dynamic partnership with the broader community and responsive local government, TangaYetu has delivered measurable and tangible improvements in public safety, digital literacy, and holistic youth development, strategically positioning Tanga as an exemplary model city for innovative, youth-centered urban development.
Mayor Shiloow concluded his remarks with a profoundly hopeful and optimistic outlook for Tanga’s promising future: “We have witnessed our beloved city undergo a remarkable transformation through these vital initiatives, and truly, we are only just beginning this incredible journey. With the continued momentum of TangaYetu, we are actively building a city where our youth are empowered with the essential tools and unwavering support to confidently shape their own bright futures.” The indelible impact of TangaYetu is now visibly evident across Tanga’s evolving urban landscapes, its revitalized educational institutions, and its vibrant recreational spaces, meticulously forging an enduring legacy of progressive growth, profound resilience, and comprehensive community empowerment for generations yet to come.