Tanzania’s youth organizations seek funds, managerial skills for survival

DAR ES SALAAM: A shortage of financial resources, stringent donor conditions, and insufficient management skills are among the leading challenges causing many youth-led organizations to collapse before achieving their objectives.

This was revealed by Lydia Charles, Executive Director of Her Initiative, during a graduation ceremony for 20 youth-led organizations that participated in the Adaptive Leadership Program, conducted under the Ustawi Lab project.

Lydia noted that such challenges have been a major barrier for young people striving to create meaningful change in their communities through the organizations they lead. She emphasized the need for targeted leadership training to strengthen systems and sustainability.

“We saw the need to equip young leaders with tools to overcome these challenges, enhance organizational structures, and ensure long-term impact,” she said.

She added that in today’s fast-evolving world marked by technological, political, and economic changes youth leaders need continuous training to stay ahead and transform challenges into opportunities.

Lydia also urged the government to establish youth-friendly policies and strategies, especially during the early stages of setting up organizations. This includes simplifying registration processes, easing tax burdens, and creating special grant funds for youth-led non-governmental organizations.

“We believe the dreams of Tanzanian youth will not die—they will shine,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, Chikulupi Kasaka, a Senior Officer from the Embassy of the Netherlands, highlighted that one of the reasons youth organizations struggle to secure funding is the lack of strong governance and operational structures.

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“Some organizations are run based on personal relationships or family ties instead of professionalism, and many lack formal departments necessary for effective execution,” she explained.

She added that several youth-led organizations lack the capacity to manage the funds they request, which raises doubts among donors about accountability and fund utilization.

Kasaka also pointed out that global economic shifts, particularly in donor countries, have led to a reduction in external funding. She called on youth organizations in Tanzania to adopt long-term, impact-driven projects instead of focusing on short-term events like workshops and seminars.

“We often receive funding requests for two-day meetings. Instead, youth should focus on sustainable projects that deliver direct and lasting impact,” she said.

On his part, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Youth, and Employment, Patrobas Katambi, encouraged youth leaders to be innovative, work diligently, and uphold integrity, legal compliance, and collaboration in their duties.

“Transparency and proper use of donor funds are the backbone of any sustainable organization. Let’s work hard and be committed to bringing positive change to our nation,” he concluded.