Dar es Salaam – The Norwegian Embassy in Tanzania has committed approximately TZS1.8 billion (NOK 7 million) to a new civil society initiative aimed at using digital technology to strengthen transparency, accountability and citizen participation in the management of public resources.

The funding agreement, signed in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, launches the ‘Wajibika Kidigitali’ project, which will run from July 2026 to December 2027. The initiative will be implemented by Policy Forum in partnership with WAJIBU – Institute of Public Accountability, focusing on the regions of Morogoro and Mtwara.

The project seeks to improve public financial accountability by helping citizens access and use government information more effectively while expanding opportunities for public oversight through digital platforms.

Women, young people and persons with disabilities are among the primary beneficiaries, with the programme expected to strengthen their participation in budget processes, public dialogues and local governance. 

It also aims to foster closer collaboration between civil society organisations, government institutions and the media to promote transparent management of public resources.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Norway’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Tone Tinnes, said the initiative reflects a growing recognition that digital technology can play a central role in improving democratic governance.

“Wajibika Kidigitali reflects the ambition to harness digital technologies as a tool for strengthening accountability, improving access to information and fostering meaningful citizen engagement in governance processes,” she said.

According to the ambassador, the project responds directly to challenges facing Tanzania by promoting greater transparency, stronger accountability, increased citizen participation and more effective management of public resources.

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“Accountable institutions and informed citizens are essential for sustainable development. These principles are central to Sustainable Development Goal 16 and support peaceful, just and inclusive societies,” she added.

Policy Forum Executive Director Semkae Kilonzo said the programme will concentrate on empowering communities at the grassroots level by improving their understanding of public finance and government budgeting.

“The idea is to work with citizens at the community level to build their capacity to understand budget-related information and other public information, make use of it, and contribute to improved service delivery by engaging with public officials and local councils,” Kilonzo said.

The emphasis on grassroots engagement stems from evidence gathered by WAJIBU, which says limited public participation continues to undermine accountability efforts.

WAJIBU’s Finance and Administration Manager, Jackson Mmari, said many citizens have limited access to public financial information and often lack the skills needed to use the information effectively or participate meaningfully in government planning and decision-making processes.

“We found that citizens have low access to publicly available financial information and limited capacity to use that information. As a result, participation in public dialogues that influence government planning and governance remains weak,” Mmari said.

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Policy Forum, a network of more than 70 civil society organisations working on poverty reduction, equity and democratic governance, will bring nationwide outreach to the partnership while WAJIBU will contribute its expertise in public financial accountability and citizen engagement with elected leaders and local authorities.

In addition to the two lead organisations, the project will involve local government authorities, media organisations and academic institutions.