Africa-Press – Tanzania. Vice President Dr Philip Mpango is expected to grace the Annual Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) Symposium, which is set to bring together over 2,000 stakeholders in Dodoma to discuss various challenges and opportunities in pursuit of the country’s socio-economic development goals.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elders and Children, Ms Felister Mdemu, revealed this in Dodoma recently while officiating a meeting that brought together the Office of the Registrar of NGOs and NGO networks.
The meeting aimed to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead of the NGOs Symposium 2025, scheduled for August 11 to 13.
The Deputy PS noted that there are over 10,000 registered NGOs in Mainland Tanzania, which have become an integral part of pushing forward socio-economic development through inclusive growth.
“Specifically, the contribution of NGOs has been documented, especially in the provision of social services such as health, education, and water; economic empowerment; skills development; community mobilization; and the promotion of good governance, transparency, and accountability,” she stated.
Ms Mdemu added that the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III 2022–2026) emphasizes the transformative participation and contribution of non-state actors, including NGOs, as a catalyst for sustaining middle-income status and improving human development.
In this regard, she explained, the Annual NGOs Symposium 2025 will provide a platform for self-assessment and dialogue on the contribution of NGOs to national development. It will examine achievements, challenges, opportunities, and prospects in a bid to forge new pathways to make NGOs more resilient and sustainable.
She expressed optimism that discussions during the preparatory meeting would help stakeholders reflect and explore innovative ways to increase their impact on Tanzanians—despite persistent challenges such as declining funding and organizational capacity constraints.
The deputy PS also assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to improving the enabling environment for better NGO contribution to national development.
“I look forward to receiving the full report of what will be deliberated at this meeting for further action on our side, particularly on issues specifically directed to us,” she concluded.
On her part, the Registrar of NGOs for Tanzania Mainland, Advocate Vickness Mayao, described the recent meeting as part of preparations for the symposium, noting that the topics discussed will also be presented at the main event.
She emphasized that the gathering served as a platform for NGO and CSO networks to conduct a self-appraisal—identifying areas of strength and existing challenges.
The Ministry, through the Office of the Registrar of NGOs in collaboration with NaCoNGO, is organizing the Annual NGOs Symposium 2025, which will be held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma.
The event is expected to draw around 2,000 participants from NGOs, Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Regional Secretariats (RSs), Local Government Authorities (LGAs), development partners, the private sector, and project beneficiaries.
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