THE Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) has pledged to deepen its partnership with Tanzania, working alongside government institutions, civil society, and faith actors to strengthen public systems, promote accountability, and empower local communities.

The commitment was made by NCA General Secretary Anne Cecilie Kaltenborn during an official visit by the NCA board to Tanzania, where they toured projects implemented across the country.

 “We work alongside government institutions, civil society, and faith actors to strengthen public systems and promote accountability,” the General Secretary said, underscoring the collaborative and complementary approach of NCA, even amid ongoing debates about the role of foreign aid in shaping government investment. 

Anne Cecilie stressed that NCA’s long-term presence in Tanzania is grounded in trust, shared values, and strategic partnerships. “We are mindful of governance sensitivities, and our work is principled and locally led. Our model ensures communities are empowered to shape their futures,” she added. 

The NCA’s engagement spans several sectors, including gender justice, climate-smart agriculture,economic empowerment, and peacebuilding. By empowering faith actors and civil society organizations, NCA aims to foster justice, accountability, and active citizenship, while building community resilience.

Kaltenborn highlighted NCA’s contribution to Tanzania’s goal of transitioning to an upper-middle-income status, noting that progress is hindered by persistent challenges such as economic inequality, youth unemployment, gender-based violence, and climate change impacts.

 “Our work strengthens the foundations of inclusive, community-led development, ensuring that women, youth, and children benefit directly,” she said. Among NCA’s flagship programs, the 2025–2029 strategic plan focuses on: Gender-Based Violence (GBV), transforming harmful norms and expanding access to lifesaving services; Climate and Environment Stewardship (CES), supporting climate-smart livelihoods and resilience; and Peacebuilding (PB), strengthening interfaith platforms and community cohesion. 

In the health sector, NCA supports partners such as Haydom Lutheran Hospital, which has expanded specialized services, leading to a 40% reduction in newborn mortality within 24 hours and a 75% reduction in maternal deaths within seven days postpartum. 

During the board visit to Mvomero District, Rev. Samuel Magawa, Chairperson of the Interfaith Standing Committee, highlighted the role of interfaith collaboration in resolving conflicts between farmers and livestock keepers in Kilosa and Mvomero districts. “Bringing together Christian and Muslim leaders provides a neutral and credible platform for dialogue and mediation. 

The local authorities actively use the Interfaith Committee as a trusted mechanism for conflict resolution,” he said. Communities have also been empowered to form Inter-Religious Village Community Banks (Vicoba), promoting financial inclusion and linking farmers to markets and agricultural inputs. 

Elizabeth Paskali, Mvomero District Project Coordinator, noted that the number of Vicoba groups has grown from 8 in 2022 to 36 today, enabling members to borrow for farming, small businesses, and household needs. Empowering Women and Enhancing Livelihoods Women like Halima Mbogoso, a Maasai resident of Kilosa district have benefited from NCA-supported programs in Climate-Smart Agriculture, adopting kitchen gardens, growing vegetables with drip irrigation, and generating income.

 “Through the training, I now farm and sell vegetables, earn my own income, and reduce dependence. District coordinators provide extension services, mobilize communities, and strengthen local agricultural capacity,” Mbogoso said. 

Kaltenborn concluded that NCA’s model—rooted in long-term partnerships, local ownership, and interfaith collaboration—ensures development is inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the needs of Tanzanian communities,
reinforcing the organization’s enduring commitment to dignity, justice and  peace.