Find Construction and Engineering expertise in United Republic of Tanzania
- Construction industry
- Engineering industry
There has been strong growth in construction activity during the 2000s in Tanzania, and construction contributes 8.8% of GDP (2010). This is mainly due to major investment by government and aid agencies in infrastructure, including roads, housing, government offices and tourism. In 2010 the construction industry grew by 8.2%, an increase on 7% growth the previous year. This rise in the rate of growth has been attributed to a surge in mineral production and the generation of electricity. At the same time there has been private investment, particularly in mining infrastructure.
The industry is dominated by domestic firms and in 2011, foreign contractors accounted for only 3% of the sector. Of the 31 foreign firms registered in Tanzania, 14 are Chinese including China Civil Engineering and Construction Corporation and the China Henan International Cooperation Group. Other major multinationals such as China Communications Construction Company ltd and Vinci Construction operate within the country alongside important local firms including Kiribo Construction ltd.
Major industry bodies in Tanzania include the Contractors Registration Board (CRB), the National Constriction Council (NCC), and The Contractors Association of Tanzania.
The World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index ranks Tanzania 174th out of 185 countries worldwide, in dealing with construction permits which takes account of the time and cost involved in building in the country. This places the country above neighbouring Malawi (175th) but well below Kenya (45th).
The Architects and Quantity Surveyors Registration Board and the Engineers Registration Board are the industry’s key statutory regulatory bodies. The Association of Consulting Engineers, the Tanzania Institute of Quantity Surveyors and the Architectural Association of Tanzania are the professional bodies. Several institutions of higher education offer engineering courses in the country including the University of Dar es Salaam and the Arusha Technical College. The Institution of Engineers is a voluntary professional development body which offers continuing education courses to qualified engineering professionals in Tanzania.
Major engineering companies active in Tanzania include SMEC which works extensively in transport, water, hydropower and energy and CSI Engineering ltd.