Tanzania seeks CSOs' input on Vision 2050

Arusha. The Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, is expected to be the guest of honour at a high-level dialogue on the implementation of Tanzania’s National Development Vision 2050.

Prof Mkumbo will lead the pivotal discussion during the 2025 Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Week, which is scheduled to take place in Arusha from June 2 to 6, 2025.

The event is expected to bring together more than 900 stakeholders from within and outside Tanzania.

The dialogue will focus on identifying strategic pathways for achieving Tanzania’s long-term development goals by 2050.

It also highlights civil society’s growing role in supporting the government’s efforts to ensure inclusive and sustainable development for all Tanzanians.

Speaking during the event’s introduction in Arusha, the Executive Director of the Foundation for Cuvil Society (FCS), Justice Rutenge, said this year’s theme, “Pathways to Progress,” closely aligns with the national agenda.

“With the forthcoming launch of Vision 2050, civil society organisations in Tanzania must step up and reimagine the country’s development trajectory. That is why this topic will be at the heart of our discussions during CSO Week,” said Rutenge.

He emphasised the importance of building strong partnerships between civil society, development partners, and the government to ensure that no one is left behind in the development process.

Mr Rutenge also expressed appreciation to the government for its inclusive approach, noting that civil society had already submitted meaningful recommendations particularly in the education sector highlighting the need for integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) to prepare students for a rapidly evolving global digital landscape.

“We are grateful for the government’s cooperation in shaping the national vision and advancing a sustainable economy. We believe that the education sector, particularly digital readiness, is fundamental to national progress,” he added.

Chairperson of the CSO Board, Ms Mercy Silla, said the civil society community is proud to mark seven years of CSO Week an initiative that brings together diverse stakeholders to exchange ideas and build a shared vision for Tanzania’s future.

“Every year, we reflect on key national issues and set the agenda for CSO Week. This year, our focus is the entire Vision 2050 process.

We are proud of the strides we’ve made. It is now time to look inward and determine how our organisations can sustain themselves without excessive reliance on donor funding,” said Silla.

On her part, the Country Director for CBM International and Chair of the CSO Steering Committee, Nesia Mahenge said the 2025 CSO Week would also address structural and operational challenges that civil society organisations continue to face, while exploring practical solutions.

Secretary General of the National Council of NGOs (NACONGO), Mr Adamsono Nsimba echoed similar concerns, noting that the week would feature strategic sessions on organisational sustainability and reducing donor dependence.

“We say this because global political shifts often affect us deeply. For example, when President Donald Trump took office in the US many aid streams were cut off, affecting several of our institutions and causing some to halt their operations altogether,” he said.