Civil Society Week 2025 to focus on Vision 2050 as timing shifts to June

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s civil society organizations (CSOs) are preparing to hold their annual CSOs Week in June. This is a departure from the typical October schedule, due to the general election expected in October 2025.

The week-long event, now in its seventh edition, will bring together more than 500 participants.Civil society stakeholders will engage in critical discussions about the country’s future development trajectory on the platform.

The theme of this year’s conference will be Tanzania Development Vision 2050-a long-term strategic plan that will guide Tanzania’s economic and social transformation over the next 25 years.

Civil society actors will have the opportunity to contribute to the formulation and implementation of this national vision during CSOs Week 2025, say organizers.

During the opening ceremony of CSOs Week on April 24, 2025, Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) executive director, Mr Justice Rutenge, urged citizens to voice their opinions and ideas.

“This is not just another annual event, but a national moment,” said Mr Rutenge at the launch.

“Vision 2050 occurs every two to two and a half decades. Tanzanians should take advantage of this golden opportunity, particularly civil society organizations that have deep insight into grassroots realities,” he said.

As a result of community feedback, the forum has been relocated to Arusha in order to ensure regional representation and participation and enhance inclusivity.

“This year’s event is crucial,” said Ms Nesia Mahenge, Country Director of CBM International and Chairperson of the CSO Committee.

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In doing so, we will be able to reflect on our collective journey, address internal challenges, and develop unified strategies in order to shape national policy and influence development planning.”

The event will bring together organizations from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar to assess their cumulative impact and chart a course for future work.

Trademark Africa Country Director, Elibariki Shayo, commended FCS for its commitment to strengthening civil society advocacy capabilities, especially in the area of consumer protection.

According to Mr Shayo, FCS has laid a strong foundation for CSOs’ participation in national frameworks that promote consumer rights by 2026.

He continued, “Civil society organizations play a critical role in ensuring the needs of citizens are not overlooked during policy formulation and implementation.”

The CSOs can support government efforts to deliver inclusive and accountable public services as the country moves toward Vision 2050 through their technical expertise and community experience.

Ms Adamsoni Nsimba, executive director of the Tanzania Association of NGOs (TANGO), echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of CSOs in championing ordinary citizens’ voices and interests.

In addition to being a watchdog sector, civil society performs many other functions. In addition to shaping public policy, protecting consumer rights, and building community capacity, it contributes to community development. “Vision 2050 cannot be realized without the active engagement of the people, and CSOs are the most effective conduits.”

This year’s CSO Week 2025 will focus on national planning, governance, civic space, and social accountability through high-level panel discussions, policy dialogues, and strategy sessions.

In addition, the event will highlight the crucial role CSOs play in data collection, policy research, and grassroots mobilisation – all essential components in realizing Vision 2050’s goals.

Rather than being a spectator in Tanzania’s national transformation agenda, the country’s civil society sector positions itself as a key partner in innovation, sustainability, and inclusion.