Strengthening Youth Civic Engagement and Advocacy Across Tanzania

12-21 August 2026, Tanzania

From 12 to 21 August 2026, Restless Development delivered an in-person training on civic education, evidence-based advocacy, leadership and accountability across six regions in Tanzania. The activity was organized in collaboration with eight youth-led civil society organizations working in the respective regions.

The training brought together 581 participants, including 509 young people aged 15–35, 27 leaders of youth-led CSOs, and 45 local government decision-makers. By bringing these groups together, the activity created space for young people, civil society actors and decision-makers to engage around meaningful youth participation and community-level action.

The sessions focused on strengthening participants’ knowledge, skills, confidence and leadership capacity in civic education, youth-led research and evidence-based advocacy, leadership, and accountability. Through interactive approaches including role plays and group discussions, participants explored practical ways to express their priorities, advocate on issues affecting young people, participate in decision-making spaces, and engage duty-bearers to promote responsive action.

The multi-region approach also strengthened opportunities for youth-led organizations to support collective action and advocacy within their communities. Participants highlighted increased confidence in expressing ideas, leading community initiatives and engaging in discussions related to governance and development issues.

The training also encouraged participants to continue working collectively beyond the sessions. One outcome highlighted by participants was a commitment to strengthen collective youth action, including establishing a WhatsApp group and a team to share learning with other young people and coordinate advocacy around community issues.