Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The WAJIBU Institute of Public Accountability and Policy Forum (PF) have officially been introduced in three regions—Dodoma, Lindi, and Katavi by the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG) for the implementation of a new governance project titled Empowering Citizenry Agency for Strengthened Public Governance and Sustainable Growth in Tanzania.

The project, set to be executed from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, will be carried out in the Local Government Authorities of Bahi DC, Mpwapwa DC, Lindi MC, Kilwa DC, Ruangwa DC, Mpibwe DC, and Tanganyika DC. The introduction was facilitated by the PORALG and presented to regional administrative secretaries. The project, with a total funding of TZS 2.64 billion, will be implemented through collaborations with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs), Community Accountability Champions (CACs), media, and government institutions at different levels.

Speaking at a meeting involving PORALG officials at WAJIBU’s office in Dar es Salaam, WAJIBU’s Executive Director, CPA Ludovick Utouh, emphasized the project’s goal of enhancing the engagement of CSOs, media, and citizens with decision-makers through structured forums and platforms at local and national levels. The initiative, funded by the European Union, aims to create more opportunities for public participation and strengthen domestic accountability, particularly in collaboration with Local Government Authorities.

Policy Forum’s Executive Director, Semkae Kilonzo, highlighted that while the project is new, it will build upon existing approaches previously employed by WAJIBU and Policy Forum to ensure effective implementation and impactful results.

Spanning 30 months, the project will impact three mainland regions (Lindi, Dodoma, and Katavi) and extend to two regions in Zanzibar (Urban/West Unguja and North Unguja).

PORALG officials assured WAJIBU and Policy Forum leaders of the government’s commitment to ensuring the project's success and advised the use of the improved O & OD approach to support its sustainability beyond 2027. Economist Christopher Kafunga from PORALG emphasized the need for collaboration with extension officers and community facilitators to ensure the project reaches its target beneficiaries—local communities across Tanzania.