In April 2025, HelpAge Tanzania marks its first anniversary as an independent organisation, celebrating twelve months of determined action to advance the rights, health, and wellbeing of older people across the country. Established in 2024 to lead a focused national approach to healthy ageing, HelpAge Tanzania has used its first year of operations to deliver significant policy gains, strengthening community systems, and achieving measurable progress across six strategic objectives.
Smart Daniel, CEO of HelpAge TanzaniaThis first year has been a testament to the power of local leadership and community-driven action. We've seen older people step into advocacy roles, influence policy, and claim their rights in ways that were previously unimaginable. It's a reminder that when we empower communities, real change follows.
Building a foundation for change
In its first year, HelpAge Tanzania helped shape several key national and local policy frameworks. It supported the development and launch of the National Assistive Technology Strategy (2024–2027) and secured the inclusion of geriatric care in national health and social welfare planning.
In Zanzibar:
- The DHIS2 health information system was updated to include healthy ageing data, making older people’s needs visible in national reporting.
- A new Strategy for Non-Communicable Diseases (2025–2030) was developed, integrating intergenerational ageing goals.
The organisation also distributed the Tanzania Older People’s Charter and supported 74 Older People’s Associations (OPAs) nationwide, influencing four major political parties to include older people’s priorities in their 2025 election manifestos.
Progress across strategic objectives
- Health and care services
Access to quality services increased from 22.9% to 33.8%, supported by training 1,820 primary health workers, strengthening 1,200 community structures, and advocacy targeting 320 senior officials.
- Income security and climate initiatives
The number of older people receiving a universal pension increased by over 4,000 – reaching 32,304 individuals – while the monthly amount nearly doubled, thanks to 24 advocacy actions carried out at national and district levels.
- Protection from violence, abuse, and neglect
Protection levels improved from 43% to 61%, supported by intergenerational dialogues and national campaigns that reached over 567,000 people.
- Inclusive humanitarian action
In refugee camps and host communities, 96% of people with specific needs reported satisfaction with services such as rehabilitation, nutrition, education for children with disabilities, and repatriation support.
- Organisational effectiveness
Governance was strengthened through field visits and improved systems, enabling more responsive strategic oversight.
Elevating the national conversation on ageing
HelpAge Tanzania hosted three high-profile national events:
- The National Launch and Symposium on Ageing
- The Launch of the Assistive Technology Strategy, officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister
- An Advocacy Meeting with the Vision 2050 planning committee, resulting in strong inclusion of ageing priorities
These events significantly raised the organisation’s national profile.
Commitment to inclusion
Over half of health and income beneficiaries were women. However, social isolation and limited influence in decision-making remain common challenges. HelpAge Tanzania promoted women’s leadership and integrated gender-transformative approaches across programmes.
Disability inclusion reached 12.6% – short of the 30% target. Barriers in rural areas persist, but steps are being taken to ensure people with disabilities are co-creators in programme design and monitoring, using the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning.
Partnerships that powered progress
Partnerships underpinned progress in the first year:
- HelpAge International provided technical and proposal support and facilitated training on inclusive humanitarian standards.
- Age International and HelpAge Deutschland supported donor engagement, compliance, and content gathering during field visits.
- Local Ageing Organisations and Network Members such as SAWAKA and PADI co-delivered projects in 15 regions.
- Older People’s Associations engaged directly in policy advocacy across all levels.
Navigating first-year challenges
Challenges included:
- High expectations from stakeholders, managed through clear communication
- Termination of the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM) contract, which affected humanitarian funding and co-financing capacity
- Limited matching funds and delayed donor disbursements, addressed through stronger donor coordination and financial planning
The contribution of the HelpAge International scheme of support
The Scheme of Support was instrumental to the first year’s success. It funded board field visits, supported system development, and enabled a team-building session that strengthened internal cohesion. The scheme also underpinned the launch event and helped build strategic partnerships with government and civil society.
Looking ahead
One year on, HelpAge Tanzania has established itself as a trusted and influential voice for older people. With a strong foundation in place, the organisation is now focused on scaling impact – advancing healthy ageing, inclusion, and rights across the country. As it enters its second year, the commitment remains clear: older people in Tanzania must not only be seen, but heard, included, and valued.