Policy Forum is a network of NGOs which was founded in 2003, incorporated as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) under the Non-Governamental Organizations Act, 2002 made under Section 11 (1) and 17 (2) of Act No.24 of 2002. Our growing membership currently includes over 60 non-governmental organizations registered in Tanzania. We are drawn together by our specific interest in influencing policy processes to enhance poverty reduction, equity and democratization.

We are a member-led network and therefore our highest decision-making body is the General Assembly made up of all voting members of the network. Our activities are overseen by a Board of Directors, elected by Policy Forum members to serve for a 2-year term of office and mandated to lead on the implementation of our activities. The Board members manage a small Secretariat office set up to coordinate, facilitate, monitor and report on the activities of the network.

Policy Forum (PF) is a network of over 60 civil society organizations founded in 2003. Registered as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) under the Non-Governmental Organizations Act, 2002, the diverse membership is drawn together by a specific interest in influencing policy processes to enhance poverty reduction, equity and democratization focusing on public money accountability at both central and local levels.

The member-led network operates predominantly through three working groups, namely the Budget Working Group (BWG), the Local Governance Working Group (LGWG), and the Tax Justice Working Group (TJWG), each bringing together members to influence policy processes through dialogues and strategic engagements through different platforms at the national and local level.

Policy Forum is governed by a Board of Directors that is elected from the PF membership through the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held annually during the first quarter. The new Constitution adopted at the extraordinary general meeting held on 16th August of 2019 allows members to serve the office for up to two (2) consecutive terms. The network is coordinated by a lean Secretariat with employees who facilitate the substantive technical, administrative and financial aspects of the work to support the membership and its Board to meet the common outcomes of the platform.

Policy Forum is a member of Tax Justice Network Africa, a Pan-African organisation and a member of the Global Alliance for Tax Justice and HakiRasilimali, a platform of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs),  working on strategic issues around minerals, oil and gas extraction in Tanzania.

Policy Forum's vision statement projects the network wishes to see in the long run, while the mission statement provides a road map on how to reach where it is expected to.

Vision

Improved quality of life for the Tanzanian people

Mission

‘To influence policy processes for enhanced accountability and equitable use of public resources through improved partnerships’

Core values

Our core values build on those from the previous strategic period, which served as a cultural cornerstone for PF. They continue to guide our identity and way of working and are outlined as follows:

a. Participation - Policy Forum believe in participatory democracy and will work to promote democratic space for citizen voice and action.

b. Accountability - Policy Forum works to promote transparency and accountability in our organisations, partnerships and in society.

c. Solidarity - Policy Forum builds coalitions with like-minded individuals and organisations committed to its mission.

d. Independence - The network members are autonomous and non-partisan organisations, answerable to their own mission, values and governing bodies rather than the instructions of any local, national or foreign government.

e. Equality - Because all people are equal, Policy Forum shall actively promote human rights, dignity, equity and inclusion of all.

f. Integrity - Committed to high standards of honesty and strong moral principles

g. Learning - The network strives for quality and excellence, and a culture of learning and reflection

Desired change

Improved quality of life through equitable use of public resources and inclusive governance.

Long-term organisational impact

Contribution to improved quality of life through equitable use of resources and inclusive governance by enhancing evidence-based advocacy and forging partnerships that open policy processes.

This desired organisational impact underpins PF’s vision and mission to improve the quality of life for the Tanzanian people by influencing policy processes to enhance accountability and the equitable use of public resources through improved partnerships.