IN a landmark move aimed at fostering sustainable development and empowering communities, the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) and Vodacom Tanzania Foundation have announced a strategic partnership ahead of this year’s CSO Week set for September, this year.

The weeklong event will gather over 500 participants from various civil society organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders in Arusha to deeply discuss and share techniques to increase civic engagement in democratic governance processes and specifically participation in the forthcoming elections.

Themed: “Voice, Vision, Value”. Tanzania’s Transformation Towards 2050 - Delivering Resonant, Measurable & Shared value, the collaboration, formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Dar es Salaam early this week, underscoring Vodacom’s steadfast commitment to connecting for a better future and its dedication to empowering people and protecting the planet.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Justice Rutenge, FCS Executive Director said: “We are thrilled to partner with Vodacom Tanzania Foundation. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our motto of 'facilitating partnerships for development.’ Our joint efforts in co-designing, co-financing, and co-implementing social impact initiatives will enable us to harness the invaluable expertise of the private sector to achieve significant results for Tanzania.”

He said this partnership also marks the beginning of a long-term strategy to bridge the gap between private sector practice and development practice, a critical element in delivering the Tanzania we want.”

He said the principal sponsor of CSO Week 2024, the foundation will play a pivotal role in supporting and engaging with a wide range of CSOs.

This sponsorship not only provides essential financial backing but also offers Vodacom a unique platform to delve into the diverse initiatives of CSOs, fostering potential collaborations and enhancing its reputation within the development partner community. Through FCS’s facilitation, the mobile firm will connect with various CSOs and explore synergies with key drivers of social impact in the country.

“Understanding the critical role of global events in resource mobilization and creating impactful connections, FCS will collaborate closely with Vodacom Tanzania Foundation, to further shape and accelerate efforts in meeting SDG targets in Tanzania,” he noted.

This collaboration and co-creation will enable both organizations to explore joint initiatives on a global stage.

“Here, Vodacom Foundation will help to craft detailed proposals for design new initiatives focusing on geared at enhancing learning outcomes and digital skills for marginalized groups, while at the same time and improving engagements in health infrastructure and health equity,” he added

“We are thrilled to partner with the Foundation for Civil Society. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for social impact. By working together, we can enhance learning outcomes, digital skills, and health infrastructure, making a meaningful difference in the lives of Tanzanians,” said Zuweina Farah, Director, Vodacom Tanzania Foundation.

One of the cornerstone initiatives of this partnership will focus on improving the quality of education and digital skills for youth, women, girls, and people with disabilities. The partnership will address the pressing unemployment crisis by equipping these groups with the necessary skills for the job market. Concurrently, the Health Infrastructure and Equity initiatives Programme will target disparities in health services, ensuring marginalized communities receive equitable access to healthcare.

This partnership not only exemplifies Vodacom’s purpose-driven approach but also highlights its dedication to fostering sustainable development, empowering communities, and protecting the planet. Through strategic collaboration and innovative initiatives.

The two organisations are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of Tanzanians, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future.