Event Agenda

Event Agenda

Your guide to CSO Week 2025 activities and sessions

CSO Week 2025 Agenda

Theme: Pathways to Progress

Dates: June 2-6, 2025

Venue: Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha

Day 1 - Monday, June 2, 2025

08:00 – 08:45

Arrival & Registration

Arrival of guests

Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:Secretariat
09:00 – 09:45

Opening Ceremony

CSO Week 2025 will officially begin with a high-level Opening Ceremony that sets the tone for a week of dialogue, learning, and collaboration. The event will feature welcoming remarks, keynote addresses from delegates, including government leaders, private sector representatives and development partners, and reflections on the role of civil society in shaping Tanzania's future under Vision 2050.

Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:CSO Week Steering Committee
09:45 – 11:00

Opening Keynote: A Ministerial Conversation

What Will Take Tanzania to Upper Middle-Income Status by 2050?

Speakers
Taji Liundi (Master of Ceremony), Dr. Stigmata Tenga (Scene Setter), Prof. Adolf Mkenda (Minister for Education, Science and Technology), Prof. Kitila Mkumbo (Minister, President's Office, Planning and Investment), Justice Rutenge (Executive Director, FCS), Nesia Mahenge (Country Director, CBM International), Zuweina Farah (External Relations and Vodacom Tanzania Foundation Director), Doreen Dominic (Head Public Sector, Stanbic Bank), Elibariki Shammy (Country Director, TradeMark Africa), CPA Mercy Sila (Board Chair, FCS), Nicole Providoli (Switzerland Ambassador to Tanzania), European Union Representative, Baruani Mshale (Moderator, Director of Learning and Strategy, Twaweza)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:FCS and CSOs Vision 2050 Task Force
11:00 – 11:30

Health Break

Venue:-
Organizer:-
11:30 – 12:30

The Core Value-Proposition of Civil Society

Identity, Purpose and Relevance - This session will seek to reaffirm the core value-proposition of civil society in a changing geopolitical landscape. The presenter will revisit assumptions about identity, purpose and relevance and the panel will discuss whether these assumptions are still relevant in today's and tomorrow's world.

Speakers
Dr. Nikiwe Kaunda (Keynote Speaker, Operations Manager, Southern Africa Trust), Dr. Richard Sambaiga (Moderator, Senior Lecturer, University of Dar es Salaam), Justice Rutenge (Executive Director, FCS), Rachel Gondo (Accountability Systems Consultant), Fulgence Massawe (Acting Executive Director, LHRC)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:Wajibika Programme, LHRC
12:30 – 13:30

Democratization: Youth and Women in Decision Making

Towards 2030 - Participants will explore youth leadership and democratic participation in Tanzania, examining the invisible infrastructure of national progress democratic sensibility. Through data-driven discussion, including 2020 voter turnout trends, the session will unpack barriers to youth engagement in elections and governance.

Speakers
Fredy Mtei (Moderator, Project Officer, Kijana Wajibika, Restless Development), Edson Hamis (Youth, Makingi Village Chair, Kasulu, Kigoma), Ocheck Msuva (Founder and Executive Director, Bridge for Change), Arif Fazel (Youth Coordinator, Action Aid), Ismail Biro (Deputy Director, Tanzania Bora Initiative), Neema Mgendi (Executive Director, Okoa New Generation)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:Action Aid, TBI, Restless Development
13:30 – 14:30

Lunch & Learn

An AI Agent for managing funding applications at scale | Kipimo Solutions

Venue:-
Organizer:Kipimo Solutions
14:30 – 15:00

Keynote: Tanzania's Economy in the Age of Intelligence

This keynote address will explore the future of Tanzania's economy in the age of intelligence, where data, digital infrastructure, and innovation drive inclusive growth. The session will unpack opportunities for civil society to engage in shaping a tech-driven, people-centered economy aligned with Vision 2050.

Speakers
Zuweina Farah (External Affairs and Vodacom Tanzania Foundation Director)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:Vodacom Tanzania
15:00 – 16:00

Overcoming Barriers to Equity in Economic Growth

This session will explore structural barriers to equity in Tanzania's economy and showcases interdisciplinary solutions through dialogue among civil society and business leaders.

Speakers
Cynthia Bavo (Moderator, Head of Program Quality & Learning, FCS), Elibariki Shammy (Country Director, TradeMark Africa), Zuweina Farah (External Affairs and Vodacom Tanzania Foundation Director), Kai Mollel (Head of Business Incubator, Stanbic Bank), Nesia Mahenge (Country Director, CBM International)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:Trademark Africa, Vodacom Tanzania, Stanbic Bank
16:00 – 17:00

Strategy Clarity as the Compass in Challenging Times

In the face of multiple crises, this interactive session by Twaweza invites civil society actors to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their core purpose. Through guided exercises and peer dialogue, participants will explore strategic clarity—why we do what we do, whether it's working, and how to stay aligned with our values amid uncertainty.

Speakers
Dr. Baruani Mshale (Director of Learning and Strategy, Twaweza), Entesh Melaisho (Coordinator, Governance, Resource Development and Foresight, Twaweza)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:Twaweza

Day 2 - Tuesday, June 3, 2025

08:00 – 08:45

Clinic: Digital Tools for Monitoring and Evaluation

This clinic will showcase a tailored digital solution designed to simplify data collection and enhance real-time monitoring and evaluation. Participants will get a hands-on look at how the software supports CSOs in tracking progress, generating insights, and improving program effectiveness.

Speakers
Joyce Msigwa (Co-Founder & Managing Director of Meltores Professional)
Venue:Tembo
Organizer:Meltores
09:00 – 10:00

Money, Power and Agency in Development Cooperation

A Conversation with Development Partners - This session will facilitate a candid conversation with development partners on power dynamics, financing flows, and agency in development cooperation. It will include a presentation of the OECD DAC recommendations on enabling locally led development.

Speakers
Justice Rutenge (Moderator, Executive Director, FCS), Viveka Carlestam (Senior Programme Manager, Democratic Governance and Human Rights, Embassy of Sweden)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:FCS, DP GWG
10:00 – 11:00

Parallel Sessions:

A: Alternative Approaches to Building Resilient Institutions and Movements
B: Inclusive Insurance: Closing the Protection Gap for Groups and Emerging Customers
C: Measuring Organizational Resilience
Speakers
A: Panel A: Cynthia Bavo (Moderator), Dr. Stigmatta Tenga (Executive Director, APN), Lillian Tamale (CivFund), Edna Chilimo (Civic Space Program Lead, FCS)
B: Panel B: Borondo Chacha (Senior Manager Life & Medical Insurance, NMB Banc Assurance Unit)
C: Panel C: Dr. Baruani Mshale (Moderator), Abella Bateyunga (Founder and CEO, TBI), Brenda Ogutu (Associate Engagement Director, Twaweza), Ismail Biro (Deputy Director, TBI), Lydia Christian (Project Associate Consultant, Busara)
Venues:Main Hall, Tembo, Faru
Organizers:Financial Resilience Resource Hub EA, Change the Game Academy, APN, NMB, Busara, TBI, Twaweza
11:00 – 11:30

Health Break

Venue:-
Organizer:-
11:30 – 12:30

Parallel Sessions:

A: Fund the Youth: Unlocking Sustainable Financing for Youth-Led Organizations in Tanzania
B: Shaping Tanzania's Education Future: Pay, Skills and Digital Inclusion for Teachers and Learners
C: An Investment Guide for CSOs
Speakers
A: Panel A: Masoud Kipanya (Political Cartoonist, Illustrator, Animator, Radio/TV Producer/Presenter), Neema Bwaira (Manager for Civil Society, European Union Delegation to Tanzania)
B: Panel B: Vodacom Tanzania
C: Panel C: Elibariki Ndosi (Head, Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania)
Venues:Main Hall, Tembo, Faru
Organizers:Tanzania Bora Initiative, Vodacom, Stanbic Bank
12:30 – 13:30

Parallel Sessions:

A: Partnership for Anti-money laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)
B: Surviving the Shift: USAID Funding Cuts and their Impact on Tanzanians CSOs
C: Rethinking Resilience: Climate Policies and Strategies in EAC
Speakers
A: Panel A: Emmanuel Kihampa (Registrar of Societies), Viola Ocharo (Deputy Regional Coordinator, SecFin Africa), Neema Makando (Advisor, Gender Equality and CSO Inclusion, SecFin Africa), Gilbert Nyombi (Assistant Commissioner, Financial Intelligence Unit Tanzania)
B: Panel B: Baitani Mujuni (Moderator, Zanzibar National Coordinator, THRDC), Lisa Kagaruki (Head of Members Affairs, THRDC), Onesmo Olengurumwa (National Coordinator, THRDC), John Kalage (Executive Director, Haki Elimu)
C: Panel C: Sheila Apiny (Regional Climate Advisor & Climate Scientist, ActionAid), Happy Itros Sanga (Women and Climate Engagement Coordinator), Nyendo Kinyonga (Regional Manager, TIF Project, ActionAid)
Venues:Main Hall, Tembo, Faru
Organizers:SecFin-GIZ, THRDC, Action Aid
13:30 – 14:30

Lunch & Learn

Women in Leadership | Stanbic Bank

Venue:-
Organizer:Stanbic Bank
14:30 – 16:00

Parallel Sessions:

A: Beyond the Buzz: Aligning CSOs' work with Private Sector's ESG reporting
B: Local CSOs' Pathways to Success: Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development
Speakers
A: Panel A: Gabriel Bundala (Moderator, Head of Finance and Operations, FCS), Richard Hacking (CEO, Kipimo Solutions), Howary Kharbush (Associate Director, PwC), Jenard Lazaro (Country Manager, ACCA), Jane Ohadike (Africa Regional Head of Public Affairs, ACCA)
B: Panel B: Arafat Lesheve (Moderator, Save the Children Tanzania), John Kalage (Chair, DRMS), Mariana Kavishe (Save the Children Tanzania), Onesmo Olengurumwa (National Coordinator, THRDC), Barnabas Kaniki (Child Rights and Governance Technical Specialist, Save the Children), Neema Bwaira (Manager for Civil Society, European Union Delegation), Kapwani Kavenuke (EU Youth Sounding Board)
Venues:Main Hall, Tembo
Organizers:FCS, Kipimo Solutions, PwC, ACCA, Save the Children
16:00 – 17:00

Beyond Donor Dependency

Rethinking Sustainability Models for CSO Resilience in Access to Justice - This session will examine the challenges of donor dependency in legal aid services by CSOs and explore sustainable, context-specific models to ensure long-term access to justice.

Speakers
Flora Henry Mpesha (Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Taswira ya Haki Paralegal), Lilian Mkusa (Senior Project Manager, CARE Tanzania), Linus Kahendaguza (President's Office, TAMISEMI)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:LSF, LHRC, Care International

Day 3 - Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Field Experiences & Community Immersion

09:00 – 13:30

Choose Your Experience:

A: Community Immersive Experience in Longido: Navigating Polycrisis
B: Visit to Karatu: Financial Inclusion and Literacy
C: Niambie Radio Show Recording: What it Takes to Build Youth Agency
D: TELS Bootcamp: Digital & Financial Readiness for Women Entrepreneurs
Speakers
A: Experience A: Twaweza Team
B: Experience B: Stanbic Team
C: Experience C: FCS Team
D: Experience D: Vodacom Tanzania Team (400 women entrepreneurs participating)
Venues:Longido, Karatu, Tengeru, Corridor Springs Hotel
Organizers:Twaweza, Stanbic, FCS, Vodacom Tanzania

Day 4 - Thursday, June 5, 2025

08:00 – 08:45

Film Showcase: Resilience, Resistance, and Civic Action

This session will showcase real-life stories of resilience, resistance, and civic action drawn from communities across Tanzania. Attendees will engage in facilitated dialogues exploring how visual storytelling can challenge harmful norms, amplify marginalized voices, and catalyze social and policy change.

Speakers
Sheilla Kipuyo (MEDEA), Hassan Kiyungi (MEDEA)
Venue:Tembo
Organizer:MEDEA
09:00 – 10:00

Parallel Sessions:

A: Reimagining Media as a Catalyst for Social Change and Public Good in Tanzania
B: Youth and Opportunity
C: How Civil Society Can Reimagine Tax and Public Goods
Speakers
A: Panel A: Marygoreth Richard (Moderator, Head of Production, BBC Media Action), Deogratius Bwire (Director of Empowerment and Human Rights Responses, LHRC), Ziada Seukindo (Programme Manager, Jamii Africa), Judith Mwombeki (Senior Research Officer, BBC Media Action), Abella Bateyunga (Executive Director, TBI)
B: Panel B: Japheth Makongo (Moderator, Ubunifu Associates)
C: Panel C: Evelyn Manu (Moderator, Director, Coretax Africa & Managing Partner, Jadili), Semkae Kilonzo (Executive Director, Policy Forum), Gabriel Bundala (Head of Finance and Operations, FCS)
Venues:Main Hall, Tembo, Faru
Organizers:BBC Media Action, Jamii Africa, LHRC, TBI, Wajibika, Jadili
10:00 – 11:00

Parallel Sessions:

A: From Policy to Progress: Reintegrating Teenage Mothers into Education system in Tanzania
B: Insights and Opportunities from the Improved O&OD
C: Uniting Forces: Innovative Solutions to Combating Malnutrition in Tanzania
Speakers
A: Panel A: Makumba Mwemezi (Moderator, Program Manager, Research, Innovation and Policy Analysis, Haki Elimu), Dr. Wilberforce Meena (Technical Education Advisor, HakiElimu), Nuria Mshare (Gender and Development Expert HakiElimu), Nasra Kibukila (Head of Program, TENMET), Florence Ngari (Researcher, HakiElimu)
B: Panel B: Christopher Kafunga (TAMISEMI), James Kimambo (TAMISEMI), Richard Temu (Senior Program Officer, Twaweza), Annastazia Rugaba (Director Advocacy and Engagement, Twaweza)
C: Panel C: Henry Jackson (Moderator, Resilience and Livelihood Technical Lead, WVT), Elizabeth Proscovia Ndaba (Health and Nutrition Technical Lead, WVT)
Venues:Main Hall, Faru, Tembo
Organizers:HakiElimu, Twaweza, World Vision
11:00 – 11:30

Health Break

Venue:-
Organizer:-
11:30 – 12:30

Parallel Sessions:

A: How Multi-Stakeholder Communication Can Drive Inclusive and Sustainable Development
B: Girls and Youth Leading the Path to Progress: Inclusive Governance for Vision 2050
C: Demand-side Action for Consumer Protection in Tanzania
Speakers
A: Panel A: Christina Kapama (Resource Mobilisation and Communications Manager, WAJIBU), Nizzar Seleman Utanga (Advocacy and Communication Officer, Norwegian Church Aid)
B: Panel B: Maureen Mkambala (Moderator, Youth Activist), Arif Fazel (Youth Coordinator, Action Aid), Nuria Mshare (Gender and Development Expert, Hakielimu)
C: Panel C: Israel Ilunde (Moderator, Executive Director, Youth Partnership Council), Mary Shao Msuya (Executive Secretary, TCRA CCC), Daud Goodluck Daudi (Executive Secretary, LATRA CCC), Charles Kainkwa (Livelihoods Program Lead, FCS)
Venues:Main Hall, Tembo, Faru
Organizers:WAJIBU Institute, Plan International, Trademark Africa, FCS
12:30 – 13:30

Parallel Sessions:

A: The National and Regional Policy and Legislative Framework for the CSO Engagement in the EAC Integration
B: Inclusive, Accessible, and Sustainable Finance for Development
C: Advancing Opportunities for Youth and Women Workers in the Informal Sector
Speakers
A: Panel A: Lilian Alex (Moderator, CEO EACSOF), Adv Onesmo Olengurumwa (National Coordinator, THRDC), Daniel Lema (EACSOF Chapter Coordinator, Tanzania), Adamson Nsimba (Executive Director, TANGO), Janise Kimaro (East Africa Women in Business)
B: Panel B: Naomi Vincent (VP, Corporate & Investment Banking, Stanbic), Doreen Dominic (Head of Public Sector, Stanbic), Anthony Kimambo (Head of Trade Finance, Stanbic), Kai Mollel (Head, Stanbic Biashara Incubator, Stanbic)
C: Panel C: Angela Benedicto (Executive Director, WoteSawa), Jane Magigita (Executive Director, Equality for Growth), Chiku Semfuko (National Project Officer, ILO)
Venues:Main Hall, Faru, Tembo
Organizers:GIZ/EACSOF, Stanbic, WoteSawa, ILO
13:30 – 14:30

Lunch & Learn

Digitalization for CSOs

Venue:-
Organizer:-
14:30 – 16:00

Reclaiming Government as a Force that Works for the People

This masterclass invites participants to reimagine the role of government as a proactive, citizen-responsive force for public good. Through interactive discussion and practical examples, it will explore how civil society can help shift narratives, rebuild trust, and promote governance that is accountable, transparent, and people-centered.

Speakers
Annastazia Rugaba (Moderator, Director Advocacy and Engagement, Twaweza), Nuru Maro (Executive Director, Tanzania Rural Development Forum), Deus Kibamba (Board Member, JUKATA), Israel Ilunde (Executive Director, Youth Partnership Countrywide)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:FCS
16:00 – 17:00

From Classic Watchdogs to Co-Creators of Public Good

This interactive session will explore how civil society can navigate the inherent tension between holding government accountable and partnering for systemic reform. It will offer a space for honest dialogue on the risks, rewards, and realities of embracing government as a partner in progress.

Speakers
Justice Rutenge (Facilitator, Executive Director, FCS)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:FCS

Day 5 - Friday, June 6, 2025

Synthesis & Future Pathways

08:00 – 08:45

Reflection & Evaluation

This activity aims to gather practical input that will inform future planning and ensure the platform remains responsive, relevant, and inclusive.

Speakers
Alice Zayumba (CSO Week 2025 Coordinator), Taji Liundi (Master of Ceremony)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:Secretariat
09:00 – 10:30

Multi Stakeholder Action for Market Fairness

This session brings together government regulators, private sector actors, and civil society to explore how fair markets can be promoted and protected in Tanzania. Participants will discuss consumer rights, responsible business practices, and opportunities for collaborative action to create more transparent and equitable marketplaces.

Speakers
Bernard Kihiyo (Moderator, Executive Director, Tanzania Consumer Advocacy & Research), Semaly Kisamo (Head of Research and Policy Advocacy, TPSF), Joshua Msoma (Head of Consumer Protection Department, FCC), Annette Temu (Membership Officer Communications, CTI), Fulgence Massawe (Director of Advocacy and Access to Justice, LHRC)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:TPSF, TCAR, FCC
10:30 – 11:00

Lightning Talk: What it Takes to Shift Systems

This interactive session invites participants to pause and reflect on the week through the lens of systems thinking, focusing on how to unlock deeper, structural change.

Speakers
Dr. Anthony Mveyange (Director of Programs, APHRC)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:Secretariat
11:00 – 11:30

Health Break

Venue:-
Organizer:-
11:30 – 12:30

Conditions for Civil Society's Optimal Contribution to National Development

This session will distill insights from the week to identify what's needed—politically, financially, institutionally—for civil society to play its fullest role in Tanzania's development. It will engage participants in co-creating a set of conditions and commitments that can guide future collaboration, influence, and impact.

Speakers
Amabilis Batamula (Moderator, Deputy Executive Director, Femina HIP), Koga Mihama (Executive Director, TACOSODE), Rutachwamagyo Kaganzi (Consultant), Jane Magigita (Executive Director, Equality for Growth)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:CSO Week Steering Committee
12:30 – 13:30

Debate: Upper Middle-Income Status by 2050

Vision or Illusion? This debate will confront a defining question: Is Tanzania genuinely on course to achieve upper middle-income status by 2050, or are we chasing an unrealistic dream? Speakers from across sectors will present competing views on the country's readiness, the gaps we must confront, and the bold shifts required to turn vision into reality.

Speakers
Dr. Baruani Mshale (Moderator, Director of Learning and Strategy, Twaweza), Speakers: TBD
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:CSO Week Steering Committee
13:30 – 14:00

Closing Ceremony

Master of Ceremony: Taji Liundi, Entertainment: Tanzania Bora Initiative, Closing Remarks: Dr. Stigmata Tenga (President, FCS), Vote of Thanks: Nesia Mahenge (Country Director, CBM International, CSO Week Steering Committee Chairperson)

Speakers
Taji Liundi (Master of Ceremony), Tanzania Bora Initiative (Entertainment), Dr. Stigmata Tenga (President, FCS), Nesia Mahenge (Country Director, CBM International, CSO Week Steering Committee Chairperson)
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:CSO Week Steering Committee
14:30 – 16:00

Certificate Ceremony: TELS & Youth Lab

Speakers
Vodacom Tanzania Team
Venue:Main Hall
Organizer:Vodacom Tanzania

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