An Appraisal on Enforcement of Green Transport Laws in Tanzania: Challenges, Gaps and Policy Directions with Insights from Rwanda and South Africa

Green transportation is increasingly recognized as a critical pathway to achieving environmental sustainability, public health, and low-emission economic development. In Tanzania, the growing demand for mobility, driven by urbanization and population growth has underscored the urgency of implementing effective and enforceable sustainable transport solutions/frameworks. This paper specifically examines the legal and institutional enforcement mechanisms underpinning green transport in Tanzania, offering a comprehensive doctrinal analysis key statutes and regulatory frameworks, including National Transport Policy (2003) and the National Environmental Management Act (2004). Despite notable and progressive initiatives such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, enforcement remains weak. This is largely attributed to fragmented legislation, overlapping mandates, limited institutional capacity, and insufficient political commitment. To contextualize Tanzania’s experience, the paper draws comparative insights from Rwanda and South Africa - two African countries that have made notable progress in promoting sustainable transport. Rwanda’s centralized and policy-driven implementation model, and South Africa’s integrated legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms, offer valuable lessons for enhancing policy coherence and regulatory enforcement in Tanzania. The paper/study concludes with actionable policy recommendations on legal harmonization, institutional capacity building, and adoption of regional best practices. By contributing to the broader discourse on environmental governance in Africa, this paper offers practical insights for policymakers, legal practitioners, and scholars seeking to advance sustainable mobility across the continent..