Is it getting crowded in here or it is just me? African cities are exploding with population. Check out these population trajectories:
Africa is likely to have 500 million more people in 2050 than the UN 2010 projection. That’s a half billion more people!
By 2050, the population of Nigeria will overtake the population of the United States, and Lagos alone will have 40 million people.
Dar es Salaam is the third fastest-growing city in Africa and the ninth fastest-growing in the world. The city population is already growing at a 5% rate every year.
All these new arrivals in our cities are bringing positive change, like new ideas and innovations and cultural influences, but some days we can’t help to feel a little lost in the crowds.
Get to know your neighbor
To help you regain that small-town feel in the big city, Jiranileo is launching Know Your Neighbor meals in 2022. We are starting these meals in Dar es Salaam and Lusaka, which are both fast-growing, fast-paced cities.
Joining one of our Know Your Neighbor meals is a way for both long-term citizens and residents to expand their social circles and networks. It is also a great way for people who feel a little lost to meet new people and feel more connected. It’s excellent for newcomers, too.
Meet some of our Know Your Neighbor hosts
Our friendly hosts invite you for informal meals at their homes, gardens, and flats around the city. You might visit some neighborhoods for the first time, and you are also just as likely to meet someone for the first time and find out they live right around the corner from you. As we like to say “Jirani leo (Neighbor today); Marafiki kesho (Friends tomorrow!) Meet two of our newest hosts, Nicole and Hazel, below.
Meet Nicole, your neighbor in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
What’s your nationality? I am part Tanzanian & part Rwandan, with my Tanzanian roots from southern Tanzania.
Anything truly Tanzanian in your modern kitchen? My kigoda (small wooden stool)
Favorite Tanzanian food: Definitely pilau nyama (rice with spices and beef), although my husband likes ndizi (cooked banana).
Tell me something interesting about you: I name my houseplants! I’m a new plant mom.
If you could have any surprise guest at your Jiranileo meal, who would it be? Michelle Obama and (wait for it….) Usher. Together.
Meet Hazel, your neighbor in Woodlands, Lusaka (Zambia)
What’s your nationality? I am Zambian.
What is one word to describe you? Curious!
Favorite food? That’s a tough one! I love European and Mediterranean cuisine.
Tell me something interesting about you: I trained under the Capsicum Culinary Studio in Cape Town, and I worked at Mannabay Boutique Hotel in Cape Town before returning to Zambia.
As a trained chef, what is your favorite item in your kitchen? My food processor.
If you could have any surprise guest at your Jiranileo meal, who would it be? Beyonce!
Are you hungry for company?
Jiranileo welcomes everyone to our table! Know Your Neighbor brunches and dinners are starting in March 2022. Each meal is a small group of up to 10 people, who eat a home-cooked meal together with the host at her home.
Go to the Book Now tab on the Jiranileo website and book your seat in either Dar es Salaam and Lusaka. New cities will be added soon!
Connection | Cuisine | Culture
