Strengthening Civil Society for Inclusive EU–Tanzania Economic Cooperation

The global objective of the programme is to strengthen civil society organisations as independent actors of good governance and development in their own right, implemented through four thematic areas including civil society engagement in ethical critical minerals value chains, digital civic space and safeguards, agricultural value chains focused on coffee, cashew nuts and rice, and structured thematic dialogues supporting EU Global Gateway priorities in Tanzania.

This initiative is funded under the Civil Society Organisations Thematic Programme 2021–2027 and forms part of the EU’s Multiannual Action Plan for 2025–2027. It aligns with the Civil Society Roadmap for Tanzania 2025–2027, marking a new phase of EU engagement that integrates civil society into broader economic development priorities under the Global Gateway strategy. The programme positions CSOs as key partners in promoting sustainable, inclusive, and accountable development across critical sectors.

A major component of the programme focuses on Tanzania’s critical minerals sector, which plays a significant role in the country’s Vision 2050. The initiative seeks to support responsible and sustainable investments in minerals such as lithium, nickel, graphite, and cobalt by strengthening environmental, social, and governance standards, enhancing local value addition, and improving community engagement. Civil society organisations are expected to contribute through advocacy, oversight, and fostering dialogue among stakeholders including government, communities, and private sector actors.

In the agricultural sector, the programme builds on previous EU-supported initiatives to strengthen value chains for coffee, cashew nuts, and rice. It aims to improve productivity, sustainability, and market access while encouraging inclusive economic participation. The initiative also supports policy reforms, modern agricultural practices, and investment in infrastructure such as processing, storage, and logistics to enhance competitiveness in both regional and EU markets.

Digital transformation is another key pillar, with efforts directed towards creating an inclusive and secure digital environment. Building on earlier programmes like Digital4Tanzania, the initiative promotes digital access, civic participation, and improved public service delivery. It also emphasizes data governance, cybersecurity, and ethical use of emerging technologies to ensure that digitalisation supports transparency and inclusivity rather than exclusion or surveillance.

The programme is structured into four funding lots with a total indicative budget of EUR 5,757,000. Each lot targets specific sectors and regions within Tanzania, including areas with active mineral projects, key urban regions for digital initiatives, and nationwide or Zanzibar-based agricultural and dialogue activities. Grants are designed to support large-scale interventions with defined minimum and maximum funding thresholds for each lot.

Eligibility is limited to non-profit legal entities such as civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations established in the European Union, Tanzania, or other eligible countries under the NDICI–Global Europe framework. Applicants may apply individually or in partnership with co-applicants and affiliated entities, provided they meet the defined criteria.