CSO Participation in Democratic Governance
Promoting an enabling environment for effective civil society engagement in democratic governance in Tanzania.
Overview
The Uraia Wetu Project, funded by the European Union, is committed to contribute to an improved and enabling policy framework and environment for CSOs for effective CSOs operations.
Uraia Wetu was designed to enable CSAs to deliver impactful projects and shape policy and practice. The project’s vision is that of a civil society that is empowered and enabled to engage as a key actor in democratic governance in Tanzania for the benefit of vulnerable groups i.e. women, youth and people with disabilities. It aims to contribute to achieving this vision by: providing up-to-date information to CSOs on legal, policy, and practical opportunities and barriers affecting effective civil society engagement; on organizing and strengthening CSO capabilities for effective government engagement; and dialogues between CSOs and government officials to foster a supportive system and champions for reforms.
Through strategic advocacy, capacity building, and multi-stakeholder dialogues, Uraia Wetu is driving meaningful reforms that enhance civic space and democratic participation across Tanzania.
Objectives & Key Focus Areas
Our primary goal is to strengthen the legal and policy framework that supports CSOs as key actors in decision-making and public accountability. To measure our impact, we track:
✔ The number of legal and policy amendments influenced by CSOs at local and national levels.
✔ The percentage of CSOs reporting an improved operating environment due to our initiatives
The project is implemented in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar in collaboration with 15 CSOs operating at national, zonal and thematic levels with particular focus on Youth , Wome n and People with Disabilities. The goal is to reach and engage over 6,000 CSOs throughout project life span 2023 to 2025
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Impact & Achievements
The Uraia Wetu project has so far achieved significant progress in enhancing civic space and democratic governance in Tanzania by empowering civil society organizations (CSOs) through access to relevant policy information, capacity building, and strategic government engagement.
In 2024, over 774 CSOs had their advocacy capabilities strengthened, resulting in policy influence including reforms in electoral law, increased youth participation in budgeting, and improved infrastructure for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The project supported 11 CSO-government dialogues, facilitated 15 sub-grants, and influenced key legislation, such as amendments promoting gender equality in political party laws and improved worker protections in Zanzibar’s social security laws.
CSOs also contributed to the Swahili translation of the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, further integrating civic voices into national development planning. Through these efforts, Uraia Wetu fostered a more enabling policy environment, responsive governance, and empowered grassroots actors to actively shape reforms that benefit marginalized communities.
