About 500 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will meet in Arusha on August 31, 2026, to assess challenges affecting their operations and explore ways of improving their contribution to national development.
The annual forum, organised by the National Council of NGOs (NACONGO), will be held at Am Moll Hall, with Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makala expected to be the guest of honour.
The meeting is expected to bring together representatives of NGOs to discuss ways of improving organisational performance, strengthening service delivery and ensuring development programmes respond to the needs of communities.
Speaking to journalists at his office, Arusha Regional Administrative Secretary Dr Toba Nguvila said the forum would place particular emphasis on innovation and building the capacity of NGOs to develop solutions based on the challenges facing citizens.
He said strengthening innovation would enable organisations to move beyond traditional approaches and implement projects capable of producing measurable results in communities.
“The forum will provide an opportunity for NGOs to examine how they can strengthen innovation and develop new ideas based on the actual needs of citizens,” Dr Nguvila said.
He said participants would also discuss ways of increasing community involvement in development projects, arguing that greater public participation was critical to ensuring that programmes reflect local priorities.
The forum will further examine the implementation of development plans across different sectors and the role NGOs can play in supporting national priorities.
Dr Nguvila said the discussions would be linked to Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, particularly the need to promote innovation, partnerships and efficient use of resources.
The 2026 forum will focus on new thinking in the development of NGOs, with discussions also expected to address organisational performance and access to financial resources through diversified funding sources.
Dr Nguvila urged NGOs to strengthen collaboration with the Government and other stakeholders, particularly in implementing programmes aimed at addressing pressing challenges facing communities.
He said stronger partnerships would be essential if NGOs were to make a meaningful contribution to Tanzania’s long-term development goals.
The forum comes as the Government continues to emphasise greater stakeholder participation in implementing national development priorities, with NGOs expected to play a role in delivering services and supporting community-based development initiatives.