Tanzania’s civil society celebrates a decade of SDG action
Dar es Salaam. As the global community edges closer to the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Tanzania’s civil society is marking a major milestone: ten years of coordinated national action through the Tanzania Sustainable Development Platform (TSDP).
Established in 2015, shortly after the UN adopted the 2030 Agenda, TSDP was co-convened by the United Nations Association of Tanzania (UNA Tanzania) and the Africa Philanthropic Foundation (APF) to create a national hub for civil society engagement in sustainable development. A decade on, it stands as a key player in localizing the SDGs and amplifying community voices.
“TSDP was founded with a bold vision—to ensure that non-state actors have a structured and meaningful role in shaping and monitoring the country’s development path,” said Judith Urio, TSDP Coordinator.
A platform with purpose
TSDP’s primary mission is to coordinate and empower civil society organizations (CSOs) to contribute to SDG implementation, monitoring, and reporting. In a policy space traditionally dominated by government actors, the platform has positioned civil society as essential development partners.
From grassroots community groups to national advocacy networks, TSDP has brought structure and synergy to previously scattered efforts, aligning them with both national development goals and global priorities.
A decade of impact
Since its inception, TSDP has grown into a vibrant network of more than 300 registered organizations operating across the country. One of its most impactful contributions has been its coordination of shadow reports for Tanzania’s Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) in 2019 and 2023.
These independent assessments have offered a people-centred perspective on the country’s progress toward the SDGs and served as valuable reference points in global development forums.
The platform has also prioritized youth inclusion, intentionally creating opportunities for more than 350 youth-led organizations to engage in national dialogues. Through consultations held for events such as the High-Level Political Forum and the upcoming Summit of the Future, over 50,000 young Tanzanians have been directly involved in shaping the country’s development agenda.
TSDP’s work has extended beyond major urban centres, thanks to a growing network of regional coordinators. This decentralized model has brought SDG engagement to communities in Dodoma, Mbeya, Mwanza, Arusha, and other regions—ensuring that development dialogues reach the grassroots.
In addition to civil society engagement, TSDP has built strong working relationships with key government institutions. Collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Bureau of Statistics, and sector ministries has enabled CSO input into major national frameworks such as the Five-Year Development Plan III, the blueprint for business reform, and Tanzania’s Vision 2050.
Beyond its work on Agenda 2030, TSDP plays a strategic role in aligning Tanzanian civil society efforts with continental and regional frameworks. These include the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the East African Community’s Vision 2050—both of which aim to foster inclusive growth, prosperity, and regional integration.
Why civil society matters
“Civil society is not a spectator in Tanzania’s development—it’s an engine of change,” Ms Urio noted. CSOs are often the first to reach remote communities, the most persistent in raising public awareness, and the loudest in holding leaders accountable. TSDP has helped shift the perception of CSOs from peripheral actors to equal partners in development—ensuring they have not only a voice but also a seat at the decision-making table.
With just five years remaining until the SDG deadline in 2030, TSDP is focused on scaling its impact, deepening inclusivity, and ensuring that no one is left behind. “The race is against time, not hope,” Ms Urio said. “We remain committed to ensuring that no voice is unheard, no region is untouched, and no one is left behind.”
As Tanzania continues its journey toward sustainable development, platforms like TSDP will remain critical to ensuring that progress is inclusive, participatory, and people-driven.
