Tanzania is investing in coastal infrastructure while prioritising environmental protection, as illustrated by the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Bridge in Dar es Salaam, which opened on April 19, 2016. The 680-metre cable-stayed bridge connects Kurasini and Kigamboni across Kurasini Creek, providing an alternative route between the southern part of Dar es Salaam and the city's commercial centre. The National Social Security Fund said it contributed 60 per cent of the project financing, with the government contributing the remaining 40 per cent. Construction began in February 2012 and included 2.5 kilometres of approach roads. The bridge has six vehicle lanes, with three in each direction, and two pedestrian and cycling lanes, replacing a ferry service that was previously the principal direct connection between the two areas.
Before the bridge opened, connectivity between Kigamboni and other parts of the city depended on ferry operations. Improved transport links have strengthened the potential for investment in Kigamboni, where opportunities exist in land, tourism, industrial and commercial activities. The district's coastal location also provides opportunities for tourism, fisheries, maritime-related businesses and activities associated with the blue economy. Better transport infrastructure can support these sectors by improving access to markets, services and investment locations.
However, Tanzania's strategy recognises that sustainable coastal development depends on protecting natural ecosystems. Tanzania's coastline supports important economic activities including fisheries, tourism, maritime transport and trade, and contains ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and coastal wetlands that provide environmental services and support the livelihoods of millions of people. According to Tanzania's National Environmental Policy 2021, coastal and marine environments face pressure from pollution, plastic waste, habitat degradation, unsustainable resource use and changing climatic conditions. In October 2026, Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office (Union and Environment) Engineer Hamad Yussuf Masauni emphasised the importance of integrated coastal and marine environmental management. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with South Africa's Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Masauni identified marine pollution, plastic waste, degradation of marine habitats, climate change and competing uses of coastal areas among the challenges requiring attention.
Tanzania has undertaken several environmental interventions alongside infrastructure development. The National Environmental Policy 2021 reports the restoration of 3,000 square metres of coral reef at Sinda and Makatube reefs in Kigamboni, the construction of a 500-metre seawall at Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial College in Dar es Salaam, and the restoration of 792 hectares of degraded mangrove areas in Rufiji and 200 hectares in Kisiwa Panza, Pemba. Through the Office of the Vice-President (Union and Environment), the government has continued to advance policies aimed at strengthening environmental management, protecting marine ecosystems and improving resilience to climate-related risks. These priorities are particularly relevant to Tanzania's participation in the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), where coastal resilience, climate adaptation and sustainable development remain important areas of international engagement.