2003-2004 FES TANZANIA Co-operation is the key

Who are we? The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung works as a private, non-profit, cultural institution and adheres to the principles and basic values of social democracy. Besides its headquarters based in Germany FES has offices in over 100 countries. The core mission of the FES Division for International Development Co-operation is to foster development and democracy in the countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa. The main objectives of FES educational and policy-oriented work are • To help safeguard democratic structures by including as many societal groups as possible • To promote economic reforms and a policy of social justice • To establish common fundamental values for the future socio-political development Sub-Saharan Africa and especially East Africa has always been in the focus of FES international efforts. We will further on help to stabilize and deepen the democratic process in many African countries and try to influence economic and social change. FES offices in Africa

FES Tanzania FES started its work in Tanzania in 1968. Since then we have been co-operating with many different partner organisations. What has been done and achieved was basically possible because of the dedicated and fruitful partnership with local NGOs and political institutions. The year 2003 saw FES putting a strong emphasis on the development and stabilization of democratic structures. This was realised through the promotion of good governance, press freedom, gender equity and workers rights. Our efforts found their expression in various events, trainings, publications and seminars. For the year 2004 this work will continue. At the same time FES sees an urgent need as well as good possibilities for the development of economic strategies for Tanzania. In our view the further development of Tanzanian economy should consider the country’s existing resources and structures. It will also be crucial for the Handing over ceremony for the new Resident Director Mr. Reinhold Einloft(left) in June 2003 sustainability of the economic development, to which extent it reflects the needs and wishes of the Tanzanian people. Existing FES projects in this field of work include regional integration in East Africa and the Cotonou process. For the future FES plans to collect, connect and channel expert capacity with a focus on sustainable economic strategies for Tanzania and the East African region. 3

Regional Integration The first expression of regional co-operation was the establishment of the East African Community in 1967. This Community collapsed in 1977, but the spirit of regional co-operation remained. The efforts towards the revival of the EAC culminated on 30th November 1999, when the Heads of State of the three countries formally signed the Treaty establishing the East African Community. Ratified by the national parliaments the Treaty entered into force on 7th July 2000. FES takes regionalisation as an important strategy to strengthen the ability of disadvantaged countries to face international competition and global challenges. FES supports the Regional Integration within East Africa, including Ethiopia and Sudan. From our point of view one of the main issues of this co-operation should be the development of joint economic strategies, for example in the context of the Cotonou Agreement. Besides FES is promoting public awareness and dialogue during and after the establishment of regional institutions. Activities(examples): • EU-APC consultants training • Publication of Swahili version of EAC Treaty. • Contributions to the regional parliamentary process included support to parliamentarian forums, thematic group discussions and the promotion of public awareness regarding the role of the regional Parliament(EALA) • East African Liaison Committee(EALA+ national Parliaments) • Regional youth leadership training program. Young political leaders from the East African Region receive training in political theory, management and ethics. • Information events concerning the Cotonou-Process with EALA and EABC 4

New economic strategies Agriculture is the backbone of the Tanzanian economy. This sector has a share of 45% in the GDP, giving work to over 80% of the Tanzanian population. Especially in the context of the globalised market economy, clear longterm economic strategies are badly needed. These strategies should aim to enable the Tanzanian farmers to compete with the highly mechanised and heavily subsidised agricultural production methods of the developed nations. Meanwhile the industrial production in Tanzania has grown respectively throughout the last years. This is mainly due to the expansion of the mining sector. Unfortunately the increase in industrial production is not related with the creation of new jobs. On the contrary the privatisation of state-owned enterprises still causes massive retrenchments. Even in the industrial centers of the country unemployment is a very serious problem especially affecting the life of young Tanzanians. FES wants to contribute to the development of alternative economic strategies, based on the potential of the country and reflecting the needs of its people. The collection of expertise and networking of relevant actors will be one of FES main objectives for the future. Planned activities(examples): • Introduction of an economic discussion circle with relevant actors from politics, economy and civil society. • Set-up of an information service for media, economy and government representatives • Seminars for political leaders • TV discussion forum 5

Cotonou The Cotonou Agreement is a comprehensive trade and aid agreement concluded between the EU and 77 African, Caribbean and Pacific(ACP) countries. Its provisions involve new opportunities as well as new risks for the stakeholders especially in the ACP countries. Much will depend on the proactive influence these countries will be able to exert on the implementation of the Agreement. Thus, for many of the new actors in the ACP countries, effective participation in the Cotonou partnership is a matter of support and access to topical and concise information in view of the multitude of key issues involved in the cooperation and the impacts forthcoming negotiations have on their region or single country. FES studies revealed that the current state of involvement of the civil society in Tanzania is not satisfying in comparison to the efforts undertaken in other APC countries. Against this background FES is especially supporting the involvement of Non State Actors in the relevant negotiation- and policy processes. Activities(examples): • Establishing of the Cotonou Steering Committee, as a reference point on Cotonou issues and the creation of a non-formal organised Cotonou Information and Communication network of relevant Tanzanian Non State Actors –[NSAs]. • Several workshops dealing with networking and Cotonou’s impact on the East African Countries. • FES EU-ACP consultants training with NSAs from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia to enhance their skills and knowledge about the Cotonou-Agreement • Capacity- building among journalists and trade unions to promote competent coverage of the Cotonou agreement and its implications. 6

STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS FES thinks that the democratic culture in government, administration and civil society is capable of development. We are particularly working on improving efficiency as well as financial and political accountability in institutions and organisations. Throughout our efforts we try not to simply assign western concepts, but to develop perspectives for a democratic Tanzanian society in close collaboration with our local partners. Cooperation with Parliament The support of the Tanzanian Parliament is one of the central projects of FES work to strengthen and stabilize democratic institutions in the Tanzanian society. In doing so, our main objective is the embedding of parliamentary actions in the public dialogue and the promotion of multi-party democracy. FES boosts qualified reporting on parliamentary and electoral issues and the public relations of the parliament itself. The experience we gained out of these workshops has led to a concentration on education of young parliamentarians, which will be one of FES main projects in the future. Activities(examples): • Publication:“Who is who in parliament” • Evaluation of the impact of new committee systems for the Committee Secretaries • Parliamentarian Capacity Building for Members of Parliament in Opposition • Co-operation with Tanzanian Young Parliamentarians Association 7

Youth leadership A major aspect of FES’ support of Youth Leadership is contained in the Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP). The aim of this project is to contribute to building a cadre of committed leaders in Tanzania. For a period of 12 months, young women and men from different National Organisations are receiving regular training in leadership skills and good governance. During the training sessions the participants address social, political and economic topics and practise new managerial skills. In addition YLTP offers these young leaders the possibility of establishing a quality network enabling them to contribute their share to a democratic multiparty system. YLTP training session Related Activities: • Capacity Building for Youth Organisations on Political Issues • Regional Youth Leadership Training Program with young Leaders from Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia. 8

Local Government In 1984, the Tanzanian Government changed its policy towards the institution of a renovated Local Government System. Under the changed policy, an attempt was made to loosen the grip of the central state’s organs at the local level. The Friedrich Ebert Foundation is in support of the current policy for Local Government, being convinced that most urgent basic problems could be solved at a decentralised level. Throughout the world there is strong evidence that decentralization is closely related with the reduction of poverty and a policy that fits people’s needs. This is especially true for Tanzania with its many remote areas and limited communication and transportation structures. Early recognition and effective solution of social problems strongly depend on reliable data and efficient administration. FES has participated in the Local Government discussions right from the beginning, as well through its partner ALAT(Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania) and through the Think Tank. Activities(examples): • Think Tank: Development of new strategies and models • The Handbook for Local Government Work is envisaged as a useful support to newly elected councilors/council executives. It deals with poverty reduction, good governance, rights and duties of councilors as well as HIV/AIDS, gender and environment. • Councilor training co-operation with the Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government • Co-operation with GTZ and DED • ALAT: support of a regional representation body at EAC 9

Trade Unions FES has its roots in the German Workers’ Movement and a main focus of interest is to support trade unions in their struggle for workers’ rights, better working conditions and social justice. The lack of an effective representation of employees’ interests in Tanzania can be attributed to various factors, but mainly to the historical one-party system and the former centralised economy. The Trade Union Act No.10 of 1998 sets an improved legal framework for the operation of trade unions. However, from the beginning of registration in 2000, the unions have been in a difficult phase of transformation to the active and strong representation of workers’ interests. Since then, FES provided consultancy and worked together with the new Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA) as well as with its affiliates. For the future FES will concentrate on leadership- training, especially for women and young trade unionists. Activities(examples): • Workshops: plan of action for Trade Unions Centre for the period 2001-2004 • Assistance to TUCTA during the Labour Law Reform process • Brainstorming session and seminar with legal experts helped to analyse the situation and collect ideas for future action of Zanzibar trade unions. • Contribution of meetings for women committees of TUICO and TUGHE and general support for women workers’ representation and women in trade union leadership positions. 10

Women and Gender The promotion of gender equality is featured in all FES’ projects. Our collaboration with women organisations and gender activists contributes to the realisation of political, legal and economic equality between women and men. Especially in the rural areas, where discriminatory customary laws are still in practice, women are very much disadvantaged with regard to land and property ownership, inheritance, divorce and other issues related to basic rights. FES Tanzania is raising women’s awareness about their rights, supporting the process towards gender equity in the country and implementing FES’ and partners’ activities with a gender perspective. Paralegal Unit Theatre Group Activities(examples): • FES supports paralegal units that engage in the sensitisation of rural women through informationdissemination, consultancy and theatre performances. • Development and test of new ways of efficient information brokering • Support of female leadership within partner organisations • Preparation and dissemination of women’s rights publications in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania 11

Julius Nyerere, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Willy Brandt, former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany “International co-operation is far too important to be left to governments alone.” For further information please don’t hesitate to contact Friedrich Ebert Stiftung P.O. box 4472 Kawawa Road, Plot No. 397 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: 255-22 2668575/2668786 Fax: 00255-22 2668669 Mobile: 0742 783 153/ 0741 324924 E-mail: info@fes.or.tz www.tanzania.fes-international.de ISBN: 9987-22-055X