FES in Tanzania

Since 1983.

A coastal cityscape featuring a mix of modern high-rise buildings and older mid-rise structures. Prominent in the skyline are twin glass towers and a striking building with vertical orange and white stripes. In the foreground, a pink building and a white one labeled "TRINITY HOUSE" stand near a church with a red roof and pointed steeple. The area is densely built with parked vehicles and varied architecture, under an overcast sky suggesting recent or impending rain. — Creator: Samwel Gidori

Building Democracy Together

In June 1983, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) established its mutual cooperation with the United Republic of Tanzania by signing an official bilateral agreement and opening an office located in Dar es Salaam. From the start of its work in the country, the FES Tanzania Office has focused on providing political education cooperation as well as dialogue, exchange and research activities with political parties and the trade union movement. Since then, FES has continuously operated in Tanzania and cooperates with its partners in government, civil society, academia, parties and trade unions as well as local community organizations to further the advancement of democracy, political dialogue and social justice in the country.

Our work is based on the values of Social Democracy: justice, freedom and solidarity. We strive to enable and strengthen civic and political rights and citizen participation. We are supporting our partners in developing and advancing ideas on how to further the democratization process, to promote economic inclusion in the process of industrialization and economic transformation, and to advance the well-being of the people of Tanzania through social justice.

Our thematic areas

A lively open-air market scene with people shopping and selling under a wooden roofed structure. Individuals wear colorful clothing, and one person holds a transparent bag of produce. Various fruits and vegetables, including a pile of yams or potatoes, are visible in the foreground. The atmosphere reflects vibrant community interaction and daily commerce. — Creator: Gertrude Malizana

Gender Justice

FES supports the feminist struggle in Tanzania through educating the public with publications, public dialogue, workshops, and creative events and initiatives. We collaborate with our partners – trade unions, civil society and political parties –...

A group of people gathered in a semi-outdoor setting for a discussion or workshop. A woman in a red dress and headwrap stands and speaks to the seated participants, who have laptops and notebooks on the tables. The background features lush banana plants and wooden pillars, creating a tropical and informal learning environment. — Creator: Samwel Gidori

Democratic Institutions and Political Agency of the Youth

A democratic system and national development agenda are built on transparency with the goal of including the - predominantly young - population in decision-making, as well as gender equality, and open civic space for public debate. With its partners,...

A cityscape showing a contrast between dense green vegetation in the foreground and a mix of low-rise buildings with corrugated metal roofs behind it. In the background, modern multi-story buildings rise, highlighting the socio-economic diversity and urban development within the area. — Creator: Samwel Gidori

Just and People-Centered Urbanisation

Since 2020, FES brings together a broad urban policy alliance under the umbrella of the ‘Just City Platform’ (JCP) – that comes forward with progressive proposals for a gender- and socially just provision of public goods and services, for example,...

A street market scene beneath a concrete overpass where vendors display rows of shoes—sneakers, sandals, and dress shoes—directly on the pavement. People are seated near their merchandise or walking by, including one individual in a red patterned shirt and sunglasses. A large concrete wall with faded posters and a metal railing forms the background, highlighting informal urban commerce. — Creator: Gertrude Malizana

Trade Unions as Collective Actors

Trade unions are under pressure. While the challenges range from the changing nature of the labor market (automation and digitalization), economic liberalization and austerity (casualization and privatization), climate change, they struggle with...