Country Facts:
- Capital city: Dodoma
- Population: 61.7 million
- Life expectancy: 66.2 years
- Unemployment rate: 8.9%
- Population living below poverty line: 28.2%
Find more country facts on: CIA The World Factbook – Tanzania
Habitat Facts
- Habitat started in Tanzania in 1986
- Individuals served in FY2026: 3,750
- Through new construction, repairs,
incremental, repairs - 915 - Through market development - 2,010
- Through civil society partners - 825
- Volunteers engaged in FY26 - 64
The housing need in Tanzania
Tanzania is one of Africa’s fastest urbanizing countries, creating significant demand for affordable housing and essential services. More than 70% of urban residents live in informal settlements, often without adequate housing, secure tenure, safe water or sanitation.
Climate-related risks further increase vulnerability for low-income households, highlighting the need for inclusive, resilient and sustainable housing solutions.
Despite strong national development ambitions, poverty and inequality remain key barriers. A large proportion of households remain low-income or vulnerable, with limited access to formal credit, secure land tenure and basic services such as clean water and sanitation.
Habitat Tanzania works with communities, government institutions, financial sector partners and development organizations to strengthen housing systems, expand access to affordable housing and improve resilience among vulnerable households.
How Habitat addresses the need
Housing and basic services
Habitat Tanzania partners with families and communities to improve access to safe, affordable and climate-resilient housing in both rural and urban areas, using cost-effective and environmentally friendly technologies.
Alongside housing, we expand access to essential services such as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), clean energy and safe water systems to support healthier and more dignified living conditions. These integrated interventions help communities reduce vulnerability to poor living conditions and environmental risks.
Housing finance and market solutions
We work with financial institutions and market actors to expand access to affordable housing finance for underserved households. Through housing microfinance, financial literacy and community-based approaches, families can progressively improve their homes while strengthening financial resilience. We also support the development of inclusive housing markets that respond to the needs of low-income communities.
Advocacy, land and climate resilience
We advocate for inclusive housing policies, secure land tenure and improved access to basic services, while empowering communities—particularly women and vulnerable groups—with knowledge of their housing and land rights.
We engage with government and stakeholders to influence national housing and land reforms and strengthen local systems. At the same time, we promote climate-resilient housing, disaster preparedness and environmental sustainability through resilient construction, renewable energy solutions and community-level climate adaptation initiatives.
What you can do
Donate
Please visit habitat.org/donate and select “Designate your donation” to donate to Habitat Tanzania
Volunteer
The Global Village program is resuming region by region until a safe and quality experience can be provided at scale worldwide. Please visit habitat.org/gv for more information.
Tithe
Habitat affiliates in the U.S. support the international work through an annual tithe. For additional information, email [email protected] or contact your local Habitat organization.
Contact
Habitat for Humanity Tanzania
Please reach out to:
Magdalena Keffas George
National Director
Website: https://www.habitattanzania.org/
