MORE than 500 participants from civil society organisations (CSOs), government bodies, the private sector and development partners are expected to gather in Arusha early next month for CSO Week 2025, to reflect, innovate and strengthen partnerships in the country’s journey towards becoming an upper middle-income economy.

The annual event slated for June 2-6, organised by the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) and partners, comes at a pivotal moment for the country as it prepares to unveil Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2050. This year’s theme, ‘Pathways to Progress’, underscores the urgency for CSOs to align their vision with practical action to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.

Addressing reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Justice Rutenge, executive director of FCS, said the week will feature high-level dialogues on Vision 2050, the country’s long-term roadmap to prosperity, with a sharp focus on human capital development and building a competent and innovative workforce.

He noted that CSOs have been actively engaged in the translation of TDV 2050 from English to Kiswahili and have contributed to reviewing the Long-Term Perspective Plan.

“Tanzania’s civil society has been deeply involved in reimagining our development future. Through CSO Week 2025, we aim to forge bold partnerships to ensure that the promise of progress is fulfilled for every Tanzanian,” Rutenge said.

The event aims to facilitate knowledge sharing and dialogue around civic participation, governance and social accountability, with a strong emphasis on collaboration between multiple stakeholders.

Nesiah Mahenge, chairperson of the CSO Week Steering Committee and Country Director of CBM Tanzania, reiterated the importance of joint engagement across sectors.

“As a steering committee comprising 26 CSOs, we have built strong partnerships to support the delivery of CSO Week,” Mahenge said. A key focus of CSO Week 2025 will be amplifying youth voices and promoting inclusive governance.

She thanked various partners for supporting the event including development partners such as the European Union, Ford Foundation, Wilde Ganzen, TradeMark Africa, UK International Development and the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania.

Ismail Biro, deputy executive director of Tanzania Bora Initiative (TBI), a member of the CSO Week Steering Committee, stressed the importance of youth participation in national discourse.

“CSO Week 2025 must nurture youth innovation, advance gender equality and ensure disability inclusion. TBI is committed to elevating youth voices, advocating for inclusive policies, and influencing governance in a way that reflects the lived realities of marginalised communities,” he said.

He said as Tanzania stands at the crossroads of a new developmental era, CSO Week 2025 is poised to serve as a transformative platform that not only promotes democratic participation, but also strengthens civil society’s role in shaping the country’s long-term vision.