Tanzania’s Mapping Revolution Wins Global Climate Prize

In Dar es Salaam, where over 70 Percent of the population resides in unplanned settlements, the danger of flooding is not just seasonal it’s a year-round threat to livelihoods, health, and safety. As rapid urbanisation outpaces infrastructure development, vulnerable communities face increased exposure to climate shocks.

But in the heart of this challenge, a local non-profit is turning data into a lifeline. OpenMap Development Tanzania (OMDTZ), based in Dar es Salaam, has been empowering communities since 2017 through digital mapping tools that document and respond to environmental risks.

Their award-winning Ramani Huria project enlists local youth, students, and residents to chart flood-prone areas using drones, OpenStreetMap, and GIS technology.

So far, OMDTZ has produced detailed flood-risk maps for 45 wards in Dar es Salaam. These maps are now integral to urban planning, emergency response, and targeted interventions like road upgrades and drain clearing.

Their efforts have directly benefited over 140,000 residents and strengthened the city’s disaster preparedness through real-time water-level monitoring systems, developed in collaboration with global partners like the World Bank.

Unlike traditional top-down approaches, OMDTZ’s model is rooted in community participation. By training ordinary citizens, they not only gather crucial data but also foster resilience and local ownership.

In recognition of its impact, OMDTZ recently won the prestigious Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Climate Action category, earning US $1 million to scale operations to climate-vulnerable areas such as Morogoro and Pwani.

As African cities grapple with the realities of climate change, OMDTZ’s work offers a powerful, low-cost blueprint for inclusive and sustainable urban development one where communities are not just protected, but empowered to shape their own futures.

Applications for the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize are now open to African SMEs, nonprofits, and high schools with bold solutions for a better future.