DAR ES SALAAM, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania's population is projected to reach about 120 million by 2050, driving demand for housing, transport networks, commercial and industrial buildings, hospitals, water and sanitation infrastructure, a senior government official said on Wednesday.
The latest 2022 Population and Housing Census recorded a total population of about 62 million in the United Republic of Tanzania, comprising about 60 million on the Tanzanian mainland and about 2 million in Zanzibar.
Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development Leonard Akwilapo said that population growth presented both challenges and investment opportunities, particularly in construction, real estate and infrastructure.
Akwilapo made the remarks in Dar es Salaam while opening the 27th Buildexpo Tanzania 2026, a three-day international trade exhibition that brings together construction companies and professionals from more than 30 countries.
He said Tanzania should focus not only on increasing construction but also on developing affordable, inclusive, productive and sustainable infrastructure.
"Tanzania is experiencing rapid development, with construction activities taking place across the country," Akwilapo said, urging greater public-private partnerships to meet rising infrastructure needs.
He said Tanzania registered investment projects worth more than 10.9 billion U.S. dollars last year, reflecting growing opportunities across the economy. ■