The European Union (EU) has allocated TZS 17.8 billion (€6.5 million) in grants to support Tanzanian civil society organisations. The funding will be used for initiatives focused on good governance, media freedom, youth empowerment, and public financial accountability.
The grants, provided through the Civil Society Thematic Programme and the Finance for Growth Action, aim to strengthen civic participation and institutional capacity. Speaking at the signing ceremony in Dar es Salaam, EU Ambassador to Tanzania Christine Grau highlighted the importance of civil society in promoting transparency and accountability.
“Today, as we formalise these grant contracts, we are doing more than signing documents. We are forging partnerships built on trust, shared aspirations, and a commitment to amplifying the voices of those who often go unheard,” Grau said. “A thriving civil society is indispensable—it ensures accountability, strengthens democratic governance, and enriches our communities.”
The four selected projects underwent a competitive selection process and will be implemented over several years by both Tanzanian and international organisations.
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Media support and civic engagement
The Empowering Journalists for Informed Communities in Tanzania project will receive TZS 5.28 billion (€2 million). It is being implemented by International Media Support (IMS) and Jamii Forums. The project aims to improve public access to reliable media content, particularly for women, youth, and rural communities. It will enhance journalists’ capacity to produce credible stories and combat misinformation.
“Now more than ever, good journalism is particularly important, not just to counter the proliferation of hate speech and mis- and disinformation but to contribute to building a more transparent, accountable, and democratic society in Tanzania,” said Fausta Musokwa, programme manager of the IMS programme in Tanzania.
Youth empowerment initiative
The Vijana Plus project will receive TZS 5.28 billion (€2 million). Led by Save the Children and Tanzania Bora Initiative, this initiative focuses on strengthening youth-led civil society organisations (CSOs) and developing young leaders. A Youth Sounding Board will be established to provide input on EU youth policies and programmes.
“As a young person involved in the EU-Vijana Plus initiative, I believe in the transformative power of youth voices, networking, peer-driven learning, and positive engagement. Through this initiative, we—the youth of today—are not just advisors; we are architects of change, solution creators, and peer educators. Empowering youth-led organisations means empowering our future,” said Arafat Lesheve, a young leader participating in the initiative.
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Rule of law and civic space protection
The Safeguarding Rule of Law, Civic Space, and Accountability in Tanzania project will receive TZS 3.96 billion (€1.5 million). It will be implemented by a consortium led by the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), along with the East Africa Law Society (EALS), Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), and Zanzibar Female Lawyers Association (ZAFELA).
The project seeks to strengthen legal protections, expand access to justice, and safeguard civic space. It will equip CSOs and legal professionals with skills to challenge restrictive laws, advocate for reforms, and defend human rights.
“Defending rights, strengthening justice, and expanding civic space—this initiative empowers communities, legal professionals, and civil society to uphold the rule of law and advance accountability in Tanzania,” said Onesmo Paul Olengurumwa, National Coordinator of THRDC.
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Public financial accountability
The Empowering Citizen Agency for Public Financial Governance project will receive TZS 2.64 billion (€1 million). It is being implemented by WAJIBU – Institute of Public Accountability and Policy Forum. The project aims to increase citizen participation in public financial governance by providing information on public finance management and supporting accountability initiatives.
“The action will enhance engagement of CSOs, media and citizens with decision-makers through structured forums and platforms at local and national levels to create more opportunities for public participation and domestic accountability,” said CPA Ludovick Utouh, Executive Director of WAJIBU – Institute of Public Accountability.
Commitment to civil society development
The grant signing ceremony brought together representatives from human rights organisations, youth groups, media organisations, and governance-focused CSOs, alongside EU officials. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting civil society in Tanzania and fostering a more inclusive society.
The funding is part of Team Europe’s broader strategy to promote civic engagement, transparency, and sustainable development. The supported projects will contribute to strengthening institutions, enhancing public accountability, and amplifying the voices of marginalised communities across Tanzania.
