Norwegian Church Aid Tanzania unveils five-year strategy for a just and peaceful society

Dar es Salaam. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) Tanzania has launched its new Country Strategy for 2025–2029 under the theme “Together for Just Societies in Tanzania”, marking a renewed commitment to peacebuilding, equality, and community resilience.

The launch event, held in Dar es Salaam, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Tanzanian government officials, faith leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners. The gathering underscored the inclusive and collaborative approach that defines NCA’s work in the country.

NCA Tanzania Country Director, Berte Marie Ulveseter, said the new strategy will focus on tackling inequality, ending gender-based violence, and promoting economic development and food security.

Additional priorities include enhancing climate and environmental stewardship and strengthening services at Haydom Lutheran Hospital.

“Rooted in locally led development, the strategy champions equitable partnerships, ensuring communities are not just recipients but active agents of change,” said Ulveseter.

In light of a shifting donor landscape, including the exit of USAID support, NCA expressed deep gratitude to Norad and the people of Norway for their continued commitment to development and humanitarian efforts in Tanzania.

“This is more than a strategy—it is a call to action,” Ulveseter added. “We must walk alongside communities, not just work for them, to ensure sustainable and just outcomes.”

She emphasized the strength of NCA’s partnerships, particularly through interfaith collaboration. “Faith leaders, both Christian and Muslim, have been crucial in promoting peace, justice, and community transformation,” she noted.

Over the past five years (2020–2024), NCA and its partners have made notable achievements through grassroots, faith-driven, and community-led efforts. Key milestones include: formation of over 5,000 Inter-Religious Community Microfinance Groups, boosting local economic resilience.

Others are nearly 25,000 individuals accessing agricultural markets and extension services via the JAMBOMAISHA digital platform

Over 27,000 farmers adopting climate-smart agricultural practices and more than 5,000 youth supported through agricultural innovation hubs.

Further establishment of 934 production groups to improve market access and legal support extended to over 15,000 individuals through paralegal service and family planning and sexuality education reaching nearly 84,000 women and adolescents.

4,288 GBV survivors economically empowered through savings groups and strengthening of 22 paralegal groups for legal and GBV support.

Over 100 Public Expenditure Tracking Committees enhancing local accountability and formation of 40 interfaith committees fostering unity and social cohesion.

Provision of safe, clean water to 126,000 people in Mbulu and Haydom, reducing waterborne disease prevalence from 89 percebt to 35 percent.

She said NCA has also played a leading role advocacy. Its “Make it Possible” campaign, launched in partnership with faith leaders, contributed to the rollout of Universal Health Care in Tanzania.

Additionally, NCA has influenced national dialogue on tax justice, environmental governance, and equitable healthcare systems. On the global stage, it has amplified Tanzania’s voice in advocating for debt relief and fair tax reforms.