Reflecting on Twaweza’s Impactful Participation in CSO Week 2024

Reflecting on Tanzania’s CSO Week 2024, Twaweza is proud to reflect on the diverse and impactful activities we were involved in. Held in Arusha in September, with the theme Voice, Vision and Value, the event was marked by dynamic sessions and collaborations that highlighted our commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue and envisioning a brighter future for Tanzania. Here’s a look at some of the key moments and achievements from the week:

 A Conversational Keynote

In a refreshing departure from traditional formats, Baruani Mshale facilitated an interactive dialogue with Prof. Kitila Mkumbo, Tanzania’s Minister for Planning and Investment, and Dr. Stigmata Tenga, Executive Director for the Africa Philanthropy Network (APN) and President of the Foundation for Civil Society. This conversational keynote allowed a deeper exploration of key themes and encouraged active audience participation. The dynamic discussions sparked thought-provoking conversations and fostered a strong sense of community. Prof. Mkumbo emphasised the crucial role of holding the state and the private sector accountable.

He noted that while the state must protect public interests, the private sector is often driven by profit motives. He acknowledged that no state is eager to be held accountable but stressed that civil society organisations must advocate for opportunities to scrutinise government performance. Prof. Mkumbo urged CSOs to shift their focus from politically driven discourses to addressing economic issues, including opportunities for production and trade.

It was an exciting week indeed! The energy didn’t stop there; our morning clinics were highly engaging and gave attendees valuable exposure and insights. The sessions were a highlight, offering participants a rich experience and deepening their understanding of critical topics.

Envisioning Tanzania’s Future

One of our significant contributions was facilitating an engaging session on Developing Plausible Future Scenarios. Led by our dedicated team, this workshop offered participants a deep dive into the art and science of future thinking. We explored how to systematically analyse current situations, review past trends, identify fundamental driving forces, and imagine future scenarios. This approach, which embraces uncertainty and prepares for multiple possibilities, aims to equip participants with the skills to navigate and shape the future.

Amplifying Youth Voices

In partnership with JamiiForums and TBI, on 11th September 2024, we hosted a compelling session titled Amplifying Youth Voices in a Divided World: The Power of Mixed Methods. This session underscored the importance of truly hearing youth perspectives in decision-making processes. By combining qualitative and quantitative methods and leveraging emerging technologies, we demonstrated how to effectively include young voices and ensure their meaningful participation in shaping our shared future.

Influencing Government Behaviours

Twaweza’s session on How to Change Government Behaviours with Just Systems addressed the challenges and strategies of engaging with government institutions. We shared proven methods for influencing government actions and fostering the correct values within institutions to drive large-scale change. This session provided practical insights on leveraging governmental resources and legitimacy to create a significant impact. The attendees engaged with the presenters as they followed up to understand better ways of engaging with the government, as many of them are highly involved in the work that they are doing.

This event, held at MS-TCDC in collaboration with Youth Hub, Restless Development, and MEDEA,  sparked vibrant discussions about youth participation in the National Development Plan 2050. Both youth and adults engaged deeply, sharing diverse perspectives and emotions. The attendees, seen as critical stakeholders in the development vision, voiced their concerns and feelings about TDV 2050. It became clear that substantial work is needed on the government and youth sides to ensure alignment and strengthen the TDV 2050 for a cohesive and impactful future. The event also featured the artistic presentation of poems related to the TDV 2050. These poems added a creative and emotional dimension to the discussions, enriching the experience and providing a unique perspective on the development vision.

The day also featured a screening of the film Bahasha, which evoked strong emotions as it highlighted the impact of corruption on society. The film depicted how corruption can undermine community development and illustrated how some leaders make decisions based on personal gain rather than the well-being of ordinary citizens.

The Kilinge outreach was a resounding success. It brought together a dynamic exchange of ideas and vibrant discussions. Participants left the event with smiles, engaged deeply, and benefitted from the collaborative atmosphere.

Looking Ahead

As we have concluded this year’s CSO Week, we are inspired by the collaborative spirit and the wealth of ideas exchanged. At Twaweza, we remain committed to promoting inclusive dialogue, amplifying diverse voices, and working together towards a more equitable and prosperous future for Tanzania.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this week’s success. We look forward to continuing these critical conversations and collaborations in the future.

Watch the first episode of the Azaki Talks podcast featuring Baruani Mshale, together with Prof Kitila Mkumbo, the minister for Planning and Investment, and Dr Stigmata Tenga, the podcast that was conducted on Monday, September 9, 2024, during the opening day of the CSO Week.