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Tanzania faces growing resource-based tensions between host communities and refugees in Kigoma, underscoring the need for stronger local governance and collaboration. Climate change is straining biodiversity and ecosystems, while smallholder farmers and businesses in agriculture, tourism and mining struggle to adapt to climate shocks, low mechanization and limited market access.

Both host and refugee communities experience high malnutrition rates, driven by food insecurity and poor dietary diversity. Women and youth face barriers to financial services, skills training and employment, limiting economic opportunities. With Tanzania’s population projected to reach nearly 140 million by 2050, mounting pressure on resources and infrastructure calls for urgent action.

As of January 2025, Tanzania hosts over 230,000 refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from neighboring Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most refugees live in overcrowded camps in the Kigoma region, where strained resources have led to food shortages, inadequate health services and poor sanitation. Overcrowding further increases the risk of disease outbreaks and limits access to essential care.

Managing these challenges requires a comprehensive response that strengthens refugee protection, improves public health services, supports vulnerable groups and addresses environmental and climate concerns. Sustainable solutions depend on strong collaboration between humanitarian agencies, host communities and policymakers to ensure long-term stability and well-being.

Health challenges

In early 2025, Tanzania confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus in the Kagera region, with two confirmed cases, 82 suspected cases and ten fatalities. Highly contagious and often fatal, Marburg presents a serious public health challenge, similar to Ebola.

In addition to disease outbreaks, Tanzania is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and extreme weather events threaten food security, livelihoods and access to clean water, further straining the country’s healthcare system.

Protection and legal challenges

Refugees in Tanzania face significant legal and protection challenges, including restricted access to asylum, delays in the adjudication process and limited legal frameworks. As a result, many refugees remain undocumented, limiting their ability to access essential services and forcing them to rely on humanitarian assistance. Strengthening legal protections and streamlining asylum procedures are critical to ensuring refugees can live with dignity and self-sufficiency.

Gender-based violence and child protection

Women and girls in Tanzania are at increased risk of gender-based violence and early marriage. An ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ assessment in 2024 found that 34.7% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence since the age of 15. Urgent action is needed to strengthen protection and support services, particularly in crisis-affected areas.

The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ (̽»¨¾«Ñ¡) provides lifesaving services to refugees and host communities in Tanzania, focusing on four key sectors: Health, Education, Protection and Governance.

Health

The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ strengthens primary health care services, mental health and psychosocial support for both refugees and host communities. Working with local governments, the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ expands access to quality care and ensures coordinated responses to health challenges.

Education

The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ equips children and youth with the skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. Programs support preschool to secondary education, vocational training and tertiary education access, fostering resilience and opportunity.

Protection

The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ provides holistic services to Burundian and Congolese refugees, asylum seekers and host communities in Kigoma. We lead gender-based violence prevention and response programs, child protection activities and youth-led interventions in collaboration with community leaders and local stakeholders.

Governance

The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ empowers communities to participate in decisions that affect their lives. Through the Youth First project, the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ promotes peacebuilding, youth engagement and local governance initiatives in Mtwara to reduce violence and improve community resilience.

By addressing these critical needs, the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ remains committed to helping individuals survive, recover and rebuild a sustainable future.

Humanitarian challenges in Tanzania remain critical and require sustained intervention. The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is committed to expanding its programs beyond refugee assistance, fostering inclusive and sustainable development for both displaced populations and host communities.

Strengthen health systems

Despite progress in the health sector, both refugee and host communities still face risks of disease outbreaks, high rates of malnutrition and a shortage of health resources. Scaling up programs and strengthening partnerships with local health institutions are essential to improving health outcomes and building sustainable healthcare systems for both displaced and host populations.

Expand access to education

Education is key to breaking cycles of poverty and displacement, yet many refugee and Tanzanian children lack access to quality learning due to overcrowded classrooms, inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of trained teachers. Investing in teacher training, digital learning and vocational skills development will expand opportunities for youth. 

The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is working alongside local education authorities to ensure all children, regardless of background, receive a quality education that prepares them for a better future.

Protect vulnerable groups

Refugee women, children and youth remain particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, child labor and exploitation. While ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡-led protection programs have provided safe spaces, psychosocial support and legal aid in refugee camps, these services must be scaled to reach wider Tanzanian communities.

In partnership with local communities, law enforcement and government stakeholders, the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ seeks to deliver protection programs that enable all vulnerable individuals, irrespective of their status, to live free from violence.

Promote economic empowerment and good governance

Limited job opportunities are leaving some refugees and Tanzanians dependent on humanitarian aid. The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ aims to empower economic resilience in Tanzania by providing vocational training, business development support and access to financial resources. Additionally, our governance programs strengthen local leadership structures, improve service delivery and empower communities to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Create a sustainable future

Emergency, short-term aid is critical in saving lives. But lasting solutions are needed to create enduring safety, health and prosperity. The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is committed to working with the Tanzanian government, international partners and local organizations to advocate for policies that promote refugee integration, access to public services and durable solutions for both refugees and host communities.