State of the Map Africa 2025/Call for venues/Tanzania
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About
Welcome to the proposal page by OpenMap Development Tanzania (OMDTZ) to host the State of the Map Africa 2025 Conference, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This conference is largely referred to as the “SotM Africa 2025 Conference”.
OpenMap Development Tanzania and OpenStreetMap Tanzania
OMDTZ is a non-profit organization in Tanzania competent in geospatial data collection, analysis, management and visualization, training and capacity building, and technological innovations. OMDTZ’s mission is to grow and empower communities to contribute and use open data/maps and technology to attain global development goals and solve local challenges in Tanzania.
Through partnerships with local and international organizations such as the World Bank, OMDTZ executes community mapping projects, generates evidence through open data/maps, builds a network of enthusiastic mappers, and enriches OpenStreetMap, a free editable map of the world. The goal is to enable the decision-makers to have access and design locally-led actions through evidence-based data/maps.
On behalf of other open mapping groups such as Crowd2Map, GeoTE, etc that form “OpenStreetMap Tanzania” in the country, OMDTZ seeks to lead this proposal bid and purposefully host the SotM Africa 2025 Conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In collaboration with other open mapping groups in the country, we previously have successfully organized and hosted SotM Tanzania 2017 and SotM Tanzania 2023 events and plan to continue hosting this event after every two years.
Local Organizing Committee (LOC)
| Name | Organization | Title | Role | Location |
| Innocent Maholi | OMDTZ | Executive Director | Co-chair | Dar es Salaam |
| Iddy Chazua | OMDTZ | Director of GIS, Innovation, and technology | Sponsorship & Outreach | Dar es Salaam |
| Aisha Mohammed | OMDTZ | Communications Manager | Communications and Outreach | Dar es Salaam |
| Asha Mustapher | OMDTZ | Community Engagement Manager | Logistics and Planning | Dar es Salaam |
| Nuru Kalulunga | OMDTZ | Director of Finance and Admin | Finance Manager | Dar es Salaam |
| Janet Chapman | Tanzania Development Trust | Chair | Advisor | London, UK |
| Msilikale Msilanga | University of Turku | Senior Researcher & Urban Planner | Advisor | Turku, Finland |
| Hawa Adinani | University of Dar es Salaam | Tutorial Assistant & UDSM YouthMappers Mentor | Co-chair | Dar es Salaam |
| Erick Tamba | GeoTE and YouthMappers | Co-founder & Board Member, Regional Ambassador | Co-chair | Dar es Salaam |
| Ezekiel Kiariro | GeoTE | GIS & Open Mapping Manager | Sponsorship & Outreach | Dar es Salaam |
| Antidius Kawamala | RootGIS | Executive Director | Logistics and Planning | Dar es Salaam |
The team can be contacted at info@omdtz.or.tz
Event Vision and Short Description
We envision an accessible and inclusive SotM Africa 2025 Conference that complements the existing open mapping groups and communities across Africa while empowering the OpenStreetMap data creators and users, open data initiatives for development and humanitarian responses, participatory mapping projects, etc. SotM Africa 2025 Conference will promote our existing open mapping projects, bringing them to new users and developers while supporting and nurturing the existing OSM communities. The conference will showcase the power of open data and open technology to attain global development goals and solve socio-economic and humanitarian challenges in Africa and beyond.
Our strong conference program will reflect our vision for a diverse and inclusive conference. We expect good representation of gender, different ethnicities, programs and initiatives across Africa for reflective knowledge and experience sharing. Our LOC will drive the program and synchronize with open mapping, technology, and innovation communities in Tanzania and Africa. Our LOC is strongly rooted in Tanzania and will deliver our expansive vision, deepen OSM community engagement locally, and strengthen the international OSM community.
Why Dar es Salaam, Tanzania?
Dar es Salaam, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities, is a hub for innovation and experimentation, featuring international universities and innovation practitioners such as UNDP's Funguo Programme, WFP Innovation Accelerator Lab, Buni Hub, Tanzania Data Lab, Resilience Academy, OMDTZ, start-ups, and various open-source projects. This dynamic environment makes it an ideal location for hosting the SotM Africa 2025 Conference.
The presence of these institutions and initiatives demonstrates the city's commitment to fostering innovation and leveraging open-source technologies. The success of Ramani Huria, an open community mapping project between 2015 - 2020, Resilience Academy, an academic initiative equiping youth with practical skills and digital tools to manage urban challenges and additionally, positive impact of previous international conferences such as the Africa Open Data Conference (AODC) in 2015, HOT Summit and the FOSS4G Conference in 2018 significantly contributed to the increase of open-source adoption and the growth of the OSM community. These initiatives showcased the power of geospatial technologies and open-source collaboration, leading to a more vibrant and active OSM community.
Hosting SotM Africa 2025 Conference in Dar es Salaam will build on this momentum, further solidifying the city’s position as a leader in the open-source and OSM communities. It will provide a platform to showcase successful initiatives, highlight the benefits of open-source contributions, and strengthen partnerships within the OSM community. Additionally, Dar es Salaam's efficient transportation infrastructure will ensure easy movement across the city for conference attendees, enhancing their experience.
This event will attract more contributors and resources, leading to a stronger, more interconnected OSM community and increased open-source adoption. By positioning Dar es Salaam and Tanzania as central figures in these efforts, the conference will highlight the region's success in driving community growth and technological advancement, making it a key player in the global open-source landscape.
The presence of ride-sharing services such as BOLT and UBER, the classic “Dala Dala” city buses, the operational Bus Rapid Transit system, Tricycles “Bajaj”, Bodaboda, etc allow for cheap, quick access across the city. For international travel, the new Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) terminal has direct connections to global travel hubs, including Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Dubai, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Zurich, etc.
Dar es Salaam is emerging as one of Africa’s global cities and a country's commercial hub with an ever-growing population of 6 million. The city has a historic quarter showcasing its colonial past surrounded by the architecture of modern Africa. A short 60-minute ferry from the city is UNESCO’s World Heritage Site of Zanzibar, with its winding streets, historic architecture at the start of the Spice Trail, and sandy beaches for reef diving and sundowners.
Dar es Salam is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and rich history with a blend of culinary delights and recreational activities that can enhance participants' experience of the conference i.e. waterfront sunset restaurants, beach bars, and stunning seafood restaurants. The city is home to fun places such as Bongoyo Island adventurous trips, white sand relaxation beaches, etc.
Tanzania is the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, the Mikumi National Park, and the Serengeti National Park which offer amazing safari experiences as well as the Ngorongoro Crater - participants can plan side quests and maximize their experience of visiting Tanzania.
Venue
We propose that the whole conference be held at the main campus of the University of Dar es Salaam, the oldest and biggest public university in Tanzania. It is situated on the western side of Dar es Salaam, occupying 1,625 acres on the observation hill, 13 kilometers from the city center. The conference venue will be the university’s New Library which has the capacity to host 600 people with infrastructure that offer break-out rooms with internet, projectors, mics, etc. to host the main conference and workshops.
Auditorium at UDSM Library (Photo Courtesy of Resilience Academy)
As a plus or alternative, we propose the second venue to be the College of Information and Communication Technologies (CoICT), a campus under the University of Dar es Salaam. Advantageously, this venue is on the same grounds as the Tanzania Data Lab (dLab) which can offer more value such as access to the internet, projectors, etc. The college is located in the famous Silicon Dar area in Kijitonyama along Ali Hassan Mwinyi road about five kilometers from the UDSM Main campus (Mwalimu Nyerere Campus).
Auditorium at the CoICT (Photo Courtesy of SotM Tanzania 2023)
All the venues above are well accessed with ride-sharing services such as BOLT and UBER, the classic “Dala Dala” city buses, Tricycles “Bajaj”, Bodaboda, etc.
When?
We propose the conference to take place in September 2025, by this time, the University of Dar es Salaam would be closed for a long summer break hence offering a conducive environment for the conference not to interfere with university activities.
Food & Catering
There are plenty of catering services available that provide good Tanzanian and African food varieties at reasonable prices for events like SotM Africa. We will get service quotations and procure the best option as seen fit. Additionally, Dar es Salaam has lots of spots for varieties of local foods, seafood, Italian foods, and Chinese foods to mention a few. We will highlight these eating places and share their locations.
Accommodation
Accommodation options in Dar es Salaam cater to various preferences and budgets, here is a glance at some spotlighted by our Team.
| Name | Location | Price | Distance | Bed and Breakfast | Free Wifi | Other amenities |
| The Grand Villa | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/243158436 | Deluxe room - $32
Double room - $36 Executive room - $40 |
5.4km | Available | Available | |
| Kebby's Hotel | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/363728096 | Standard room - $50
Superior room - $70 Suite room - $100 |
4.4km | Available | Available | |
| Wanyama Hotel | https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/6406707900#map=19/-6.78251/39.23032 | TBA | 3.9km | |||
| Mesuma Plus Hotel | https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/6400359317 | Room 1 - $20
Room 2 - $24 Room 3 - $28 Room 4 - $32 Room 5 - $40 |
6.4km | Available | Available | |
| Gianna Hotel | [1] | Standard room - $20
Executive room - $28 |
4.6km | Available | Available | |
| BlackWood Hotel | https://www.openstreetmap.org/node/8491443562 | Hotel room - $133
Appartment; 2 bedroom, kitchen & dining - $196 |
5.3km | Available | Available | Gym, Swimming pool, Sauna |
| SeaShells Millenium Hotel | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/36073568 | Deluxe room - $70
Executive room - $90 |
5.5km | Available | Available | Gym, Swimming pool |
| Wista Inn | https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/473547038 | TBA | 2.6km | Available | Available |
Hotels
There are numerous hotels ranging from budget to luxury accommodations in Dar es Salaam. Many international chains and local establishments offer comfortable stays with amenities such as restaurants, pools, and conference facilities.
Guesthouses and Lodges
These provide a more intimate and often affordable alternative to hotels, often located in residential areas or near business districts.
Serviced Apartments
Ideal for longer stays, these offer more space and kitchen facilities, suitable for attendees looking for a more independent living arrangement.
Hostels
Budget-friendly options for individual travelers or groups, often offering shared dormitory-style rooms and communal facilities. This can be coordinated with the University of Dar es Salaam to participants under low-budget accommodation options.
Travels and Transportation (Air, Bus, Train, etc)
Travels and transportation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, offer diverse options for participants to the conference venues as well as those who might wish to explore the city and other nearby attractions outside the city. Here is a summary of the options:
By Air
Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is the main gateway, well-connected with international and regional flights.
Public and private city rides
Dar es Salaam boasts a robust bus network, including ride-sharing services such as BOLT and UBER, the classic “Dala Dala” city buses, Tricycles “Bajaj”, Bodaboda, etc, providing extensive coverage within the city.
Cross-border bus routes
Covering neighboring countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia, South Africa, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, etc.
Train route
Tanzania has one train route connection to Zambia - participants from Zambia and neighboring countries can opt for a train journey which offers adventurous travel across different regions of Tanzania.
Travel Requirements (visa, tickets, vaccination requirements, etc)
Visa
Most visitors require visas to enter Tanzania. This can often be obtained upon arrival at the airport or through an e-visa application beforehand, depending on nationality. Members of the East African Community (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, South Sudan, Somalia, and Burundi) travel to Tanzania without a Visa. For more details on specific visa requirements follow this link.
Vaccination Requirements
Yellow Fever
To enter Tanzania, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
COVID-19
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travelers entering the country.
Flight Tickets
Participants should arrange their flight tickets to Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam well in advance, considering availability and potential seasonal variations. An arrangement will be made for scholars and students who will require extra support to arrange or book their flights.
Budget
The budget breakdown is attached for reference.
| Item | No. | Unit | Quantity | Unit | Cost (TZS) | Cost (USD) | Total cost (TZS) | Total cost (USD) |
| Venue | ||||||||
| Venue - Main Room | 1 | room | 3 | days | TSh3,000,000 | $1,302 | TSh9,000,000 | $3,905 |
| Venue - Break-out Rooms for Workshops, Panels, etc | 4 | rooms | 3 | days | TSh500,000 | $217 | TSh6,000,000 | $2,603 |
| Venue - Dining Hall | 1 | room | 3 | days | TSh500,000 | $217 | TSh1,500,000 | $651 |
| Event Host | 1 | lumpsum | 1 | unit | TSh2,000,000 | $868 | TSh2,000,000 | $868 |
| Subtotal | TSh18,500,000 | $8,026 | ||||||
| Event Materials | ||||||||
| Nametags & Lanyards | 300 | units | 1 | unit | TSh5,000 | $2 | TSh1,500,000 | $651 |
| T-shirts | 300 | units | 1 | unit | TSh20,000 | $9 | TSh6,000,000 | $2,603 |
| Tote Bags (with notebooks, pens, timetables, etc) | 300 | units | 1 | unit | TSh50,000 | $22 | TSh15,000,000 | $6,508 |
| Stickers | 1 | lumpsum | 1 | unit | TSh1,000,000 | $434 | TSh1,000,000 | $434 |
| Pull-up Banners | 1 | lumpsum | 1 | unit | TSh2,000,000 | $868 | TSh2,000,000 | $868 |
| Tear Drop Banners | 10 | units | 1 | unit | TSh250,000 | $108 | TSh2,500,000 | $1,085 |
| Event Banners | 2 | units | 1 | unit | TSh1,000,000 | $434 | TSh2,000,000 | $868 |
| Booths | 10 | units | 1 | unit | TSh300,000 | $130 | TSh3,000,000 | $1,302 |
| Media Coverage | 1 | lumpsum | 3 | days | TSh1,000,000 | $434 | TSh3,000,000 | $1,302 |
| Subtotal | TSh36,000,000 | $15,618 | ||||||
| Food & Drinks | ||||||||
| Catering Services | 300 | people | 3 | days | TSh30,000 | $13 | TSh27,000,000 | $11,714 |
| Drinks i.e water/soda | 300 | people | 3 | days | TSh6,000 | $3 | TSh5,400,000 | $2,343 |
| Social Event | 300 | people | 1 | day | TSh20,000 | $9 | TSh6,000,000 | $2,603 |
| Subtotal | TSh38,400,000 | $16,659 | ||||||
| Miscellaneous and Others | ||||||||
| Scholarships | 30 | people | 1 | unit | TSh2,000,000 | $868 | TSh60,000,000 | $26,030 |
| Emergencies | 1 | unit | 1 | unit | TSh5,000,000 | $2,169 | TSh5,000,000 | $2,169 |
| Subtotal | TSh65,000,000 | $28,200 | ||||||
| Grand Total | TSh157,900,000 | $68,503 | ||||||