Strengthening Civil Society for Inclusive EU–Tanzania Economic Cooperation

Deadline: 07-May-2026

The EU–Tanzania Civil Society Programme (2021–2027) strengthens civil society organisations (CSOs) as independent actors in governance and development. With a budget of €5.757 million, it supports ethical mineral value chains, sustainable agriculture, digital civic space, and structured dialogues aligned with the EU Global Gateway strategy.

Overview of the Programme

The programme aims to empower civil society organisations (CSOs) as independent actors of governance and development while promoting inclusive economic cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Tanzania.

It operates under the Civil Society Organisations Thematic Programme 2021–2027 and the EU Multiannual Action Plan 2025–2027, aligning with the Civil Society Roadmap for Tanzania 2025–2027. This initiative integrates CSOs into broader economic and development priorities, emphasizing sustainable, accountable, and inclusive growth.

Programme Objectives

Global Objective

To strengthen civil society organisations as independent actors of good governance, sustainable development, and economic participation.

Specific Objectives

The programme achieves its goals through four thematic areas:

1. Civil Society Engagement in Ethical Critical Minerals Value Chains
   • Focuses on lithium, nickel, graphite, and cobalt.
   • Enhances environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
   • Promotes local value addition and community engagement.
   • CSOs act as advocates, monitors, and facilitators of dialogue between government, communities, and private sector actors.
2. Digital Civic Space and Safeguards
   • Promotes inclusive, secure, and ethical digital environments.
   • Supports civic participation, public service delivery, and digital access.
   • Emphasizes data governance, cybersecurity, and ethical use of technology.
   • Builds on initiatives such as Digital4Tanzania.
3. Agricultural Value Chains: Coffee, Cashew Nuts, and Rice
   • Strengthens productivity, sustainability, and market access.
   • Encourages inclusive economic participation in agricultural sectors.
   • Supports policy reforms, modern practices, and infrastructure investment (processing, storage, logistics).
   • Enhances competitiveness in regional and EU markets.
4. Structured Thematic Dialogues
   • Supports EU Global Gateway priorities in Tanzania.
   • Facilitates multi-stakeholder discussions to align civil society with national development and investment strategies.

Funding and Structure

• Total Indicative Budget: €5,757,000
• Funding Lots: Four separate lots targeting minerals, digital initiatives, agriculture, and structured dialogues.
• Geographical Focus:
  • Mineral projects: regions with active mining activities
  • Digital initiatives: urban centers
  • Agricultural and dialogue activities: nationwide or Zanzibar-based
• Funding Scale: Grants support large-scale interventions with defined minimum and maximum thresholds per lot.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include non-profit legal entities, such as:

• Civil society organisations (CSOs)
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• Entities established in the EU, Tanzania, or other NDICI–Global Europe eligible countries

Applicants may:

• Apply individually
• Partner with co-applicants or affiliated entities meeting all criteria

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative is crucial because it:

• Positions CSOs as active stakeholders in governance and development
• Promotes responsible investments in critical minerals aligned with Tanzania’s Vision 2050
• Strengthens agricultural value chains, fostering inclusive economic growth
• Encourages ethical digitalisation, supporting civic engagement and transparency
• Enhances multi-stakeholder dialogue, improving collaboration across sectors

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organisation is a legal non-profit entity within the EU, Tanzania, or eligible countries.
2. Select Funding Lot: Identify the thematic area and geographical focus relevant to your project.
3. Prepare Proposal: Include project objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, budget, and sustainability measures.
4. Submit Application: Complete the official application form via the EU or programme portal.
5. Evaluation: Applications are assessed on impact, feasibility, inclusivity, and alignment with programme objectives.
6. Grant Award: Successful applicants receive funding and must provide periodic reports on project implementation and outcomes.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly outline measurable outcomes and community benefits
• Provide detailed budgets and resource allocation
• Demonstrate partnerships and stakeholder engagement
• Include risk management and safeguarding measures
• Align project objectives with Global Gateway priorities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring eligibility criteria or geographic focus
• Submitting vague project objectives without clear deliverables
• Overlooking safeguarding, environmental, or ESG standards
• Inadequate budgeting or financial planning
• Failing to highlight multi-stakeholder involvement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply for funding?
Civil society organisations and NGOs registered in the EU, Tanzania, or eligible NDICI–Global Europe countries.

2. What is the total budget and size of grants?
The programme has a total indicative budget of €5,757,000, with specific funding thresholds per lot.

3. Which sectors are supported?
Critical minerals, digital civic space, agricultural value chains (coffee, cashew nuts, rice), and structured thematic dialogues.

4. Can organisations partner with others?
Yes, applications can include co-applicants or affiliated entities meeting eligibility criteria.

5. Is previous EU funding required to apply?
No, but experience in relevant sectors is highly valued.

6. Are there geographical restrictions?
Yes. Projects must focus on designated regions relevant to each thematic lot, including urban centers, mining regions, or Zanzibar.

7. What are key selection criteria?
Impact, sustainability, inclusivity, governance, financial management, and alignment with EU Global Gateway priorities.

Conclusion

The EU–Tanzania Civil Society Programme (2021–2027) represents a strategic investment in empowering CSOs as independent actors driving governance, sustainable development, and inclusive economic growth. By targeting critical minerals, agriculture, digital transformation, and structured dialogues, it fosters ethical, transparent, and accountable interventions aligned with both EU priorities and Tanzania’s national development goals. Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply to contribute to sustainable and inclusive change across Tanzania.

For more information, visit European Commission (EC).