What Tanzania tells us about Africa’s population explosion as the world hits 8bn people

Eight countries, Tanzania included, will be responsible for more than half of the increase in global population over the next three decades. Composite: Imani Nsamila/The Guardian

Rush hour in Mbagala, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, throws the quarter into a frenzy. Buses spill over with commuters at the intercity stop and crowds fill the streets, drawn along a line of vendors, under gazebos bunched up side by side, selling clothes, fruit and vegetables, shoes and grilled chicken.

The sound of blaring horns and sellers’ cries fill the air, drowned out by loudspeaker warnings from the authorities prohibiting vendors from peddling their wares on the roadside.