Introduction

Non State Actors Support Programme (NSASP) is a tripartite and tailored initiative towards empowering Non State Actors (NSAs) to participate in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development policies and processes in Tanzania. The programme is implemented by the Programme

Management and Facilitation Unit (PMFU), regularly provided with operational guidance and oversight by the Programme Coordination Committee (PCC), on behalf of NSAs. The Programme started in 2006 after a long dialogue involved the Government of Tanzania, NSAs and development partners; the European Commission (EC) delegation in particular.

The overall objective of the Programme is to empower NSAs to be informed of and contribute to the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development policies and processes, through facilitated public participation in national development movement. The programme purpose is to build technical and institutional capacity, and strengthen networking and information sharing among NSAs in order to create an informed policy dialogue with government, development partners and the wider public.

To strengthen institutional and technical capacity of NSAs so that they can engage more effectively with each other , with Government, with Parliament and with international development partners

To improve communication and access to information, in order to enhance collaboration and networking among NSAs, at and between all levels. To consolidate mechanisms to facilitate engagement and to structure dialogue between government and NSAs. To create conditions for NSAs to fully participate in the programming, implementation and monitoring of development programmes. .

Non State Actors entail a diversity of constituencies. NSASP intends to support reputable NSAs with interest and a proven commitment to constructive engagement in development policy processes at different capacities. The targeted NSAs are from among the following constituents:

Technical (policy research, analysis, advocacy and lobbying) and institutional (information and

knowledge management) training programmes participation in policy learning platforms on selected

thematic policy issues of interest to NSA. Collaboration and networking with other like-minded NSAs in influencing formulation, implementation monitoring and evaluation of development policies,

and participation in respective processes. Opportunities to interact and share critical national and international policy issues with a wider spectrum of organizations and institutions

Play a role in the vision and mission to form a national forum/body for NSAs in its tripartite structure (Civil Society Organizations, Trade Unions and Private Sector Associations)

Participate in determining the direction of development support and processes, with the government and development partners through policy dialogue

Access to and sharing of policy and policy related

information in zonal Policy Resource Centers located in Dar es Salaam and upcountry.

Policy Resource Centers and Zonal Focal Centers

These are selected programme centers where NSAs can access information on development policies and related information. The centers are equipped with facilities necessary to access both electronic and print information materials. The Centres are linked with the Dar Es Salaam Policy Resource Center, which is located on 3rd floor, Mwalimu House, Ilala. Furthermore, it is the Programme

website (www.nsatz.org) which links up a lot of web based information from other relevant sources, in addition to those produced by the programme. The following are 8 centres and contacts:

Coastal Zone (Morogoro), also serving NSAs in Coast

Southern Zone (Masasi), also serving NSAs in Mtwara,

Central and Western Zone (Kigoma), also serving

Southern Highlands Zone (Mbeya), also serving Iringa,