RFAs: Supports Quality Vocational Training for Zanzibar’s Tourism Sector (Tanzania)

Deadline: 27-Apr-2026

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), through its Nairobi office, has launched the FO.PR.ALB initiative to enhance vocational and professional training in the tourism and hotel sector in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. The programme targets youth, women, vulnerable groups, training institutions, and tourism businesses, aiming to improve employment outcomes, service quality, and sector coordination. Italian CSOs with expertise in tourism and vocational training are invited to apply for funding under two Lots with a combined budget of €3,950,000.

Overview of the FO.PR.ALB Initiative

The FO.PR.ALB initiative is designed to strengthen professional skills and employment outcomes in the tourism and hospitality industry in the Zanzibar Archipelago. The programme focuses on inclusive training for young people (ages 15–35), out-of-school students, women, and vulnerable populations, as well as employees and professionals already working in the sector.

Objectives

• Strengthen civil society organizations (CSOs) with local expertise

• Improve vocational and professional training quality in tourism and hospitality

• Enhance employment opportunities and career pathways in the sector

• Foster coordination between Italian actors and local stakeholders

• Promote sustainable development in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania

Funding Structure

• Total Budget: €4,000,000

• Funding for Italian CSOs: €3,950,000

• Two Components:

  1. CSO-Implemented Projects (this call) – Italian CSOs operating in Tanzania

  2. AICS Nairobi-Managed Component – Oversight, visibility, monitoring, and institutional communication

Lots

• Lot 1: Zanzibar Archipelago (Unguja and Pemba) – Maximum funding €2,950,000

• Lot 2: Mainland Tanzania (with coordination focus on Zanzibar) – Maximum funding €1,000,000

Proposal Rules

• Each CSO may submit:

  • One Executive Proposal as Proposer per Lot

  • One additional Proposal as Partner, for a different Lot

• CSOs not submitting as lead may partner in up to two proposals from other lead CSOs without Lot restrictions

Target Beneficiaries

• Youth and young adults seeking vocational opportunities

• Women and vulnerable groups in tourism and hospitality

• Employees and workers in hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses

• Teachers and administrative staff in hotel schools and TVET centers

• Local communities benefiting from improved service quality

• Government authorities engaged in sector development

Eligibility Criteria

• Lead applicants: Italian CSOs or non-profit entities with expertise in:

  • Vocational training

  • Tourism and hospitality

  • Maritime economy

• Proven experience in capacity building and local development

• Ability to implement projects in Zanzibar, Pemba, or mainland Tanzania

• Capacity to coordinate with local stakeholders, institutions, and businesses

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify Lot

• Choose either Lot 1 (Zanzibar) or Lot 2 (Mainland Tanzania) based on project focus

Step 2: Prepare Proposal

• Executive Proposal including:

  • Project objectives, activities, and outcomes

  • Implementation plan and timeline

  • Target beneficiaries and impact indicators

  • Coordination mechanisms with local actors

Step 3: Submit Proposal

• Submit to AICS Nairobi following official guidelines

• Confirm all eligibility and partnership requirements are met

• Ensure proposals for different Lots are submitted separately if applicable

Step 4: Evaluation

• Proposals assessed based on:

  • Relevance and impact on professional training and employment

  • Capacity of CSO to implement and coordinate

  • Sustainability and scalability of project outcomes

Why This Initiative Matters

• Addresses skills gaps in tourism and hospitality in Zanzibar and Tanzania

• Empowers youth, women, and vulnerable populations through professional training

• Strengthens the local tourism industry with higher service standards

• Encourages partnerships between Italian CSOs and local stakeholders

• Contributes to sustainable economic development and job creation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals without clear focus on Lot 1 or Lot 2

• Overlooking coordination with local stakeholders or target beneficiaries

• Ignoring eligibility requirements for Italian CSOs or non-profit entities

• Failing to demonstrate project sustainability or measurable impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?

Italian CSOs or non-profit entities with expertise in tourism, hospitality, or vocational training.

2. What are the funding amounts?

• Lot 1 (Zanzibar): up to €2,950,000

• Lot 2 (Mainland Tanzania): up to €1,000,000

3. Who are the target beneficiaries?

Youth (15–35), women, vulnerable populations, employees, teachers, local communities, and government authorities.

4. Can a CSO submit multiple proposals?

Yes, one as Proposer per Lot and one additional as Partner for a different Lot.

5. What are the key objectives of the projects?

Enhance professional training, improve employment outcomes, strengthen CSO capacity, and foster sustainable tourism development.

6. Where will projects be implemented?

Zanzibar Archipelago (Unguja and Pemba) or mainland Tanzania, with coordination on Zanzibar where relevant.

7. What are the evaluation criteria?

Project relevance, CSO capacity, impact on professional training and employment, coordination with stakeholders, and sustainability.

Conclusion

The FO.PR.ALB initiative offers Italian CSOs an opportunity to transform vocational training and professional skills in the tourism and hotel sector in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. By focusing on youth, women, and vulnerable populations, the programme strengthens employment outcomes, builds local capacity, and fosters sustainable sectoral development.

For more information, visit Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.