Policy Forum is a network of NGOs which was founded in 2003, incorporated as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) under the Non-Governmental Organisations Act, 2002, made under Section 11 (1) and 17 (2) of Act No.24 of 2002. Our growing membership currently includes over 70 non-governmental organisations registered in Tanzania. We are drawn together by our specific interest in influencing policy processes to enhance poverty reduction, equity and democratisation.

We are a member-led network, and therefore our highest decision-making body is the General Assembly, made up of all voting members of the network. Our activities are overseen by a Board of Directors, elected by Policy Forum members to serve for a 2-year term of office and mandated to lead on the implementation of our activities. The Board members manage a small Secretariat office set up to coordinate, facilitate, monitor and report on the activities of the network.

PF’s strategic direction for 2026–2030 focuses on reinforcing governance, aligning decision-making, and advancing equitable development for all communities. Informed by political economy analysis, lessons from previous strategic periods, and stakeholder insights, the framework emphasises coherence, alignment, and connectivity across governance actors and processes to achieve sustainable impact.. Realising this ambition requires strengthening the capacities, incentives, and relationships of key actors at national and subnational levels to ensure coherence across governance structures and practices.

The framework rests on four interdependent pillars:

1. Citizen Agency: Empowering youth, women, and marginalised groups to participate meaningfully in governance and amplify their influence.
2. State Responsiveness: Strengthening government institutions to manage resources transparently, respond to citizen needs, and uphold accountability.
3. Civil Society Strengthening: Building a coordinated, capable, and resilient civil society that can advocate strategically, generate evidence, and hold duty bearers accountable.
4. Collaborative Governance: Fostering sustained engagement among government, civil society, the private sector, and development partners to co-create solutions and ensure synergy across actors.

A new vision and mission to guide the new strategic plan are as follows:

Vision: A just and accountable governance where citizens influence decisions and enjoy equitable livelihood and development

Mission: To empower citizens and civil society with knowledge, platforms, and tools to participate meaningfully in policy, budgeting, and service delivery decisions.

Desired Impact: Contribution to improved quality of life through equitable use of resources and inclusive governance by enhancing evidence-based advocacy and forging partnerships that open policy processes.