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, FES Tanzania works towards making institutions more accessible for citizen participation. We facilitate forums for dialogue between political parties, the government, and civil society.
Young citizens and politically active young people not only lack the necessary knowledge of how to, but also the structural power to make an impact and bring their concerns effectively into the political decision-making process.
According to data from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as of 2021, it is estimated that approximately 73% of the population of Tanzania is under the age of 35. Because of their demographic share, youth have the power to influence political alignment and support democracy in the country's politics. However, many young people find it difficult to participate in politics and do not feel sufficiently represented by political institutions.
FES Tanzania strengthens the political agency of young people through a variety of initiatives for instance, by bringing together young people from various backgrounds in its annual Youth Forum (YLF) since the 2000s with the aim to provide a space for politically engaged young people for critical conversation and exchange on national, regional, and continental issues.