The Annual National CSO Forum 2025 held in Dodoma brought together hundreds of civil society leaders, development partners, and government representatives to reflect on the role of NGOs in advancing Tanzania’s development agenda. Over three days, participants shared insights, celebrated milestones, and charted pathways to strengthen the voice and impact of CSOs nationwide. The forum served as a platform to reaffirm civil society’s contribution to inclusive growth, peace building, and gender equality while addressing pressing challenges such as shrinking donor support and limited resources.

Shaping the Future of Civil Society in Tanzania

By Our reporter,

The Annual National CSO Forum 2025 was convened in Dodoma, bringing together civil society leaders, government representatives, and development partners to reflect on the role of NGOs in Tanzania’s development agenda. The forum was officially officiated by Hon. Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, on behalf of the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The gathering served as a critical platform to strengthen collaboration, enhance transparency, and chart sustainable pathways for civil society engagement in advancing inclusive national development.

A central theme of the forum was the challenge of shrinking donor support and the urgent need for innovative financing approaches. Participants endorsed the establishment of a National NGO Basket Fund (NBF) as a long-term mechanism to promote sustainability and self-reliance among CSOs. This milestone initiative, accompanied by the launch of a National Coordinating Committee to guide the process, reflects the growing commitment to create homegrown solutions that safeguard civil society’s role in promoting peace, gender equality, and community resilience.

The forum also emphasized the importance of mutual trust and accountability between civil society and government. During the opening ceremony, Hon. Dr. Gwajima launched the Guidelines for Transparency in Financial Matters and Collaboration between Government and NGOs. These guidelines provide a framework to foster openness, improve coordination, and ensure that resources are used effectively for maximum community impact.

GIT’s Role and Commitment

Global Impact Transformation (GIT) was honored to participate in this national platform, contributing perspectives from its work in youth empowerment, women’s economic resilience, climate justice, and peace building. GIT underscored the importance of grassroots innovation and the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities as essential actors in advancing Tanzania’s sustainable development agenda.

Through this engagement, GIT reaffirmed its commitment to partnership, accountability, and community-driven solutions that leave no one behind.

Looking Ahead

The Annual National CSO Forum 2025 reaffirmed the vital role of civil society in Tanzania’s development landscape. The discussions and commitments made will shape future collaboration between NGOs, government, and development partners, ensuring stronger alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

For GIT, participation in this forum strengthens its mission to empower communities, amplify local voices, and build sustainable pathways for inclusive growth in Tanzania and beyond.