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

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are preparing to hold their annual CSOs Week this June, marking a departure from the usual October schedule, due to the general election scheduled for October 2025.

Now in its seventh edition, the week-long event will convene more than 500 participants in Arusha.

It serves as a key platform where civil society stakeholders will engage in critical conversations on the country's future development trajectory.

This year’s theme will centre on the Tanzania Development Vision 2050—a long-term strategic framework intended to guide the nation's transformation across social and economic sectors over the next quarter-century.

Organisers say CSOs Week 2025 presents a rare and significant opportunity for civil society actors to contribute to the formulation and implementation of this national vision.

Speaking at the official launch of CSOs Week on April 24, 2025, Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) executive director, Mr Justice Rutenge, encouraged citizens to voice their ideas and opinions to shape a shared path toward sustainable development.

“This is not just another annual event—it is a national moment,” said Mr Rutenge at the launch held in Dar es Salaam.

“The Vision 2050 process occurs once in two or two-and-a-half decades. It is a golden opportunity for every Tanzanian to participate, particularly civil society organisations that have deep insight into grassroots realities,” he said.

The relocation of the forum from Dodoma to Arusha reflects community-driven feedback and aims to enhance inclusivity by ensuring wider regional representation and participation.

“This year’s event is pivotal,” said Ms Nesia Mahenge, Country Director of CBM International and Chairperson of the CSOs Committees.

“It offers us the chance to reflect on our collective journey, address internal challenges, and develop unified strategies to shape national policy and influence development planning.”

Ms Mahenge noted that the event would bring together organisations from both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar to assess their cumulative impact and chart the way forward.

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

“FCS has built a strong foundation to ensure that by 2026, CSOs will be actively engaged in national frameworks that promote consumer rights,” said Mr Shayo.

“Civil society organisations are critical connectors between policy formulation and implementation, ensuring that citizens' needs are not overlooked,” he added.

He added that CSOs possess vital technical knowledge and community-level experience that can support government efforts to deliver inclusive and accountable public services as the country embarks on its Vision 2050 journey.

The Tanzania Association of NGOs (TANGO) executive director, Mr Adamsoni Nsimba, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the strategic importance of CSOs in championing the voices and interests of ordinary citizens.

“Civil society is more than a watchdog sector. It is instrumental in shaping public policy, protecting consumer rights, and building community capacity,” he said. “Vision 2050 cannot be realised without the active engagement of the people, and CSOs are the most effective conduit for making that happen.”

CSOs Week 2025 will feature high-level panel discussions, policy dialogues, and strategy sessions focused on national planning, governance, civic space, and social accountability.

The event will also highlight the pivotal roles CSOs play in data collection, policy research, and grassroots mobilisation—all critical components in realising the objectives of Vision 2050.

As the country looks ahead to a future defined by innovation, sustainability, and inclusion, Tanzania’s civil society sector is positioning itself as a key partner, rather than a spectator, in the national transformation agenda.