EfD Tanzania’s (EfD-T) Annual Review and Planning Meeting brought together EfD-T researchers, administrative officers, Principal Investigators, and Lead Collaborators to reflect on achievements, assess ongoing initiatives, and define strategic priorities for the year ahead.
The first session of the meeting, which took place on 21 February 2026 at Kimere Resort in Bagamoyo, was led by the EfD-T Center Director, Dr. Martin Chegere. He addressed key institutional and strategic matters. In his reflections on 2025, he highlighted the center’s sustained commitment to policy-relevant research, capacity development, and engagement with national and international stakeholders.
Aims to strengthen research, partnerships and financing
Dr. Chegere underscored progress made in strengthening research output, expanding membership, and improving internal coordination. He provided updates on research funding, policy engagement efforts, and collaboration within the EfD Global Hub and the broader EfD Africa network. The session also reviewed leadership and funding developments at the global level, alongside adjustments in the management structure of EfD-T aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability.
Looking ahead to 2026, he outlined priorities focused on consolidating research excellence, increasing measurable policy impact, strengthening partnerships, and securing sustainable financing for the center’s programs.
Increasing accountability and policy impact
The second session concentrated on annual reporting and policy impact. Highlights from the Annual Report 2025 were presented, outlining achievements in capacity development, policy engagement, collaborative programs, and institutional strengthening. The discussion emphasized the importance of systematic documentation and alignment with EfD Global reporting standards to ensure transparency and consistency.
A joint presentation by Mr. Salvatory Macha and Dr. Chegere introduced the concept of Policy Impact Stories and guided the nomination process for the EfD Policy Impact Award. Researchers were encouraged to proactively document and communicate how their work contributes to shaping public policy and practice at national and regional levels.
Tracking progress in policy-relevant research
Researchers shared updates on ongoing policy-relevant research projects, highlighting milestones achieved, stakeholder engagement activities, and plans for dissemination. The discussions reinforced the importance of maintaining strong linkages between research outputs and national development priorities, particularly in areas related to environmental sustainability and inclusive economic growth.
Participants emphasized the need to translate research findings into accessible policy messages that can effectively inform decision-making processes.
Expanding collaboration and capacity development
The third session focused on capacity development initiatives and strategic partnerships. Participants received updates on the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Development in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED II), under which the project Energy Economics, Governance and Research Competence Building (EEGRECOB) is implemented. The discussion highlighted key achievements of the EEGRECOB project in advancing academic training, strengthening collaborative research, and building institutional capacity. Continued coordination with regional and international partners was emphasized as critical to enhancing research competence and ensuring sustainable long-term impact.
Further presentations highlighted progress under the Natural Capital-related activities and the Inclusive Green Economy program. These initiatives demonstrate EfD-T’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and evidence-based approaches that support sustainable economic transformation.
Moving forward with shared commitment
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening research quality, enhancing policy engagement, and deepening collaboration within the EfD network and beyond.
The meeting served as an important platform for reflection, strategic alignment, and renewed focus on delivering impactful research. As EfD-T advances into 2026, the center remains dedicated to producing high-quality evidence, building capacity among researchers and stakeholders, and contributing meaningfully to environmental and development policy discourse in Tanzania and the wider region.