Support to Repoa Strategic Plan 2020-2024+25

In 2024, REPOA achieved a range of expected outcomes across its key focus areas, while also encountering some surprising and impactful developments. One of the main successes was in the area of research and policy engagement. REPOA produced 30 research reports, 28 policy briefs, two journal articles, and five book chapters. While the targets for research reports and policy briefs were slightly under target due to ongoing reviews, the number of journal articles exceeded expectations. Significant studies included a PESTEL analysis of Tanzanias leather, textile, and sisal industries, which highlighted operational and policy barriers affecting growth. Another standout piece of work was on women-on-women violence, culminating in a book that explored cultural practices and their implications on gender-based violence, particularly in Tanzanias Lake Zone. In terms of influencing national policy, REPOA made tangible contributions. It supported the Ministry of Finance in preparing the Monitoring and Evaluation manual for public projects and participated in developing Tanzanias Vision 2050. Its research on domestic resource mobilization informed reforms aimed at increasing revenue collection, reducing dependency on foreign aid, and encouraging the use of technology in tax administration. In a notable outcome, REPOAs findings from a Judiciary satisfaction survey were cited by the President during a national law week speech, underlining the organizations growing influence. Capacity building was another area of strong performance. A total of 318 individuals, including 139 women, participated in training programs aimed at strengthening research and evidence-based policymaking. REPOA also supported 15 open competitive research projects exceeding its target and provided one-on-one mentoring for young researchers in lieu of seminars originally planned for the year. Unexpectedly, REPOAs involvement extended to international platforms such as COP29 discussions, where it contributed findings from its climate transition research. It also partnered with global institutions like the University of Beijing and the Chr. Michelsen Institute to advance knowledge in areas such as low-carbon development and youth employment. Another unexpected development was the appointment of a REPOA senior researcher to the Secretariat of the Presidential Tax Commission, signaling national recognition of the organization's expertise in public finance. Despite these successes, REPOA faced some challenges. Delays in funding disbursements and adverse weather, including flooding in several regions, disrupted fieldwork and contributed to a lower-than-expected financial execution rate 82% of the annual revised budget. These setbacks pushed some activities into 2025. Nonetheless, REPOA adapted by revising plans, intensifying staff efforts, and leveraging digital systems to stay on course. In summary, REPOA not only met many of its core targets but also made unexpected contributions to national policy and international discourse. Its work in research, policy influence, capacity building, and gender inclusion has reinforced its position as a key institution in Tanzanias development landscape.

REPOA's overall goal is to contribute to the alleviation of poverty in its multiple dimensions through research and capacity building. The current SP 2020-24 pays specific attention to the following major drivers of change: • Demographic transition and jobless growth; • New (potentially disruptive) technologies; • Development divide and inequalities; • Changing forms and competition for financing for development; • Evolving global trade governance and regional integration; • Rapid Urbanization; and, • Climate change The thematic priorities comprising the SP 2020-24 Research Themes are significantly influenced by the following internal and external factors: • The national socioeconomic priorities as defined in, among others, the National Development Vision 2025; Five Year Development Plan 2016/17 2020/21 (2nd FYDP); and the Long-Term Growth Perspective Plan 2010/11-2025/26. • The regional and global commitments included in the East African Community Vision 2050, African Development Agenda 2063, and the 2030 Global Agenda on SDGs •The objective of Swedens international development cooperation to create conditions to improve the lives of people living in poverty and oppression particulary around Human rights, democracy, the rule of law and gender equality and Inclusive economic development • the outcome of a thorough review of the current opportunities within and beyond Tanzanias borders, as well as challenges that REPOA has faced in recent times relating to resource mobilization and capacity to promote research uptake • lessons learned from implementing the 2015-2019 research program To achieve the set objectives REPOA has developed research themes with the view of supporting Tanzanias and the regions efforts towards meeting key national objectives and designing policies and stimulating action in line with the five (5) interdependent critical elements for sustainable development, namely people, prosperity, planet, peace, and partnerships. The research main themes are: 1. Productive Sectors & Inclusive Development (PSID) 2. Gender & Human Development (GHD) 3. Governance, Accountability & Citizen Participation (GAP) Cross-Cutting Themes: I. Environment & Climate Change II. Technology, Innovation & Data Management