We have just concluded CSO Week in Arusha earlier this June—a vibrant gathering graced by numerous NGOs, private sectors, government and development partners from across the country, along with many brilliant minds. This is not a new event; CSO Week is now a seven-year-old initiative. 

As articulated by Justice Rutenge, the young and energetic Executive Director of the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS), CSO Week has evolved over the years, with each edition addressing themes relevant to the national context. This year’s theme, “Pathways to Progress,” served as a rallying point for discussions throughout the week, from Monday to Friday.

CSO Week is a truly innovative initiative driven by civil society organisations in Tanzania. According to many participants, there is no comparable platform in the region—possibly even in Africa. Kudos to the Tanzanian CSO community for such a bold and creative undertaking.

Over time, the event has revolutionised multiple aspects of civic engagement—from branding and coordination to the inclusion of key sectors such as the private sector, development partners, and government actors. Its growth is also reflected in the smooth succession from the older generation to a younger generation now taking the lead in running the platform. 

It is not an exclusive event for CSOs alone, but rather a shared space for all development stakeholders. Through this platform, dialogues have been held on a wide range of issues including health, education, mining, taxation, democracy, human rights, and regional integration.

READ MORE: Administrative Bureaucracy Weakens CSOs’ Change-Making Ability 

Before diving deeper into the activities and discussions that took place during CSO Week, it’s worth asking: What is the role of civil society in our communities?

Fourth arm of the state

Civil society has often been referred to as the “fourth arm of the state”—representing the voice of the people to policymakers. CSOs act as watchdogs to ensure duty bearers remain accountable to the public, while also empowering communities to stand up for their rights.

For civil society organisations (CSOs) to function effectively, they require an enabling environment that fosters collaboration and mutual trust. This includes constructive engagement with both state and other non-state actors. 

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in interest from non-traditional donors—particularly the private sector—many of whom are now actively participating in CSO Week and engaging with the platform, often through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

For instance, during this year’s event, Vodacom Foundation signed an MoU with Twaweza to support education programmes initiatives, while the Stanbic Bank Foundation has been partnering with Policy Forum to support the monthly Breakfast Debates. These are just a few notable examples.

READ MORE: CSOs Raise ‘Serious Reservations’ About Proposed COSTECH Act 

So, what exactly transpired during CSO Week 2025? What key issues emerged under the theme of “Pathways to Progress”? A variety of compelling and thought-provoking topics were discussed. 

These included whether CSOs are at a crossroads, the decolonisation of the funding landscape, the shift toward community-led (rather than donor-imposed) development, youth leadership in development, stronger collaborations between CSOs and the private sector, and the adoption of system thinking—a concept that may prove transformative for those who embrace it deeply and consistently.

Survival or activism mode?

However, as an observer, one issue I wish had been addressed more openly and directly is this: Are CSOs in survival mode rather than activism mode? This question mirrors the crossroads debate and deserves honest exploration. The issue can be viewed from multiple perspectives—funding constraints, restrictive regulatory frameworks, and questions of relevance to the communities CSOs serve.

The funding discussion, in particular, was engaging. Participants were urged to consider how CSOs can mobilise resources locally, rather than relying on traditional donors—many of whom have become increasingly unpredictable due to global instability, conflicts, or regime changes.

The call to decolonise the mindset and diversify funding sources by the president of FCS, Dr Stigmata Tenga, was well received, but the harder conversation centred on operational realities: Are CSOs truly fulfilling their mandates without fear or compromise? Has survivalism overtaken activism?

READ MORE: Let’s Learn How to Talk TO Each Other Rather Than Talking AT Each Other 

As we think about the future, it’s important to remember that in Tanzania, most CSOs are registered with a ten-year operational timeline under the NGOs Act. Should this not compel them to avoid complacency and reclaim their watchdog role with renewed urgency? And ultimately, is the civic space safe enough for CSOs to stand firm against the odds?

It is an undeniable fact that the existence and effectiveness of CSOs depend largely on the political will of the state—particularly when governments recognise the critical role of CSOs in bridging the gap between public authorities and the people. 

From strategy formulation and policy design to implementation, monitoring, and post-implementation reviews, CSOs offer essential insights, including lessons learned. It is therefore wise to regard CSOs as critical friends and partners, supporting governments and multilateral stakeholders in fulfilling their commitments.

Shifting dynamic

However, this dynamic is shifting in today’s world, marked by overlapping crises—or “polycrises”—where circumstances can change in the blink of an eye, often leaving lasting disruptions to what once seemed normal. CSOs, too, are deeply affected by these shifting landscapes, especially where political environments are increasingly shaped by populist ideologies that are sceptical—if not hostile—toward civil society.

So, where does this leave CSOs? How can they continue to thrive and build resilience in the face of both domestic and global shocks that are often unprecedented in scale and complexity?

READ MORE: Aidan Eyakuze’s Reflection on Leadership and Democracy: ‘Never Underestimate the Lust for Power’ 

It is worth emphasising that thriving and building resilience must remain constant goals for the civil society sector. This requires the use of meaningful, multifaceted strategies—from movement-building and bold decision-making to adapting to evolving landscapes. 

Partnerships with other actors—including government, the private sector, and development partners—must focus on co-creation. Only through such inclusive collaboration can ensure a resilient and impactful CSO sector capable of contributing to sustainable development.

Fortunata Kitokesy is a lawyer and human rights expert. She is available at fortukito@gmail.com or on X as @fortunatak. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.