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Paper short abstract:

This paper draws insights from neoliberal planning and urban development literature to analyse the manifestations of neoliberal planning using Dar es Salaam as a case. The study problematizes failed planning practice in Dar es Salaam as a symptom of the neoliberal model of development.

Paper long abstract:

Dar es Salaam has emerged strongly over the past decade as one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. The city has embraced modernization as a way of positioning itself as a global hub of business and innovation. Underlying this modernization agenda are massive infrastructural developments, which echo the ‘global city’ ideology. The current development pattern, however, has had far-reaching consequences, as it lacks effective planning measures. This paper draws insights from neoliberal planning and urban development literature to analyse the manifestations of neoliberal planning using Dar es Salaam as a case. The study problematizes failed planning practice in Dar es Salaam as a symptom of the neoliberal model of development. The neoliberal type of development, the paper argued, has rendered planning institutions weak and porous, and overly dependent on western ideologies. The situation presents a state that continues to favour capitalism at the expense of social well-being. This development paradigm, the paper maintains, creates a fertile ground for unfair competition, where the few rich exercise absolute power both in political and economic circles, influencing critical [physical] developmental decisions in the process. The paper notes that the current planning practices have little social resonance, suggesting a misplaced priority and a parochial preoccupation among city and planning authorities. Lessons and ways forward are discussed.