The project started in November 2015. An office has been set up and contacts established with a wide variety of non-state actors and relevant governmental institutions. A multi-annual plan of action ihas been prepared that includes a capaicty building and skills development startegy, a grant making startegy and other related policies on M&E, communication and visibility, etc.

Over the next 3 years, the project will focus on providing relevant, inclusive and efficient policy advisory and capacity development services to NSAs and to relevant government agencies to enhance participation, social accountability and democratic governance in Zanzibar.

While the project will be drawing on lessons and experiences from the region and further away, it will ensure local ownership through regular engagement with communities, their groups, national organisations, network and umbrella bodies and through the oversight of the Programme Steering Committee. It is expected that the project will work at different levels, developing a participatory, multi-stakeholder approach, respectful of local knowledge, attitudes and practices and mindful of each beneficiary level of organisational maturity and capacity.