External evaluation of phase II of the empowering media in Tanzania (EMT) Project 2021-2024

1. INTRODUCTION

This document contains the requirement relating to a mandate to externally evaluate the second phase of the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania’s Empowering Media in Tanzania Project (2021-2024), and describes the tender procedure. It shall serve as a guideline for the consultant(s) carrying out the mandate.

2. BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

2.1 Swiss Development Cooperation in Tanzania

Through various projects the Swiss Embassy works to achieve the overall goals of the Swiss Cooperation Programme 2021-2025, which aims to support Tanzania in its process to become a stable and equitable middle-income country by strengthening state institutions, enabling the civic space and improving the livelihoods of the youth. Switzerland strives to promote the space that enables citizens, especially the youth and young women affected by poverty, to shape and monitor the social, political and economic matters that concern them. To protect civic space means to empower citizens to express themselves freely and influence local and national policy making. Furthermore, Switzerland seeks to promote more gender-inclusive governance and public institutions and increase women’s participation in decision- and opinion-making. Civil society organisations (CSOs) shall be strengthened so that they can fulfill their roles as mediators between different institutions, as bridge builders between society and governmental bodies and as advocators for increased accountability and transparency from the state.

2.2 Context

Press freedom has been in decline in Tanzania mostly due to the previous administration of President John Magufuli (2015-2021) enacting a restrictive legal framework which created a repressive media environment in the country. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration brought initial hopeful signs that have yet to fully come to fruition. Thus, the media has been facing hurdles in light of free and independent reporting on matters relevant and informative to the citizens, which has also diminished the quality of content. Furthermore, media has been struggling to uphold financial sustainability and independence amid structural challenges (eroding business models of revenue mainly generated through advertisements). The safety of journalists has suffered. Media consumption and revenue models are shifting to digital channels, also in light of global competitors. There are, therefore, many struggling media outlets in Tanzania, most of which are not able to produce high quality content. However, citizens and governments rely on media to stay informed, communicate and be held accountable. A low-quality and poorly functioning media environment limits the capacity of Tanzanian media to fulfill this role effectively.

2.3 Project objectives

The Empowering Media in Tanzania (EMT) project contributes to the priority area of protecting and promoting civic space. The project has three outcomes:

i) Support media houses to produce quality content and be sustainable. Media houses are able to report on matters of public interest while adhering to professional standards and to focus on financial sustainability. This project outcome includes two partial actions, one aims to support rural radios and the other aims to support media innovation in content and revenue generation.

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ii) Contribute to safety of journalists. Journalists have access to a safety and protection mechanism as they practice their profession, thus upholding press freedom, safeguarding human rights and strengthening democracy.
iii) Promote gender equality. Audiences, in particular young women and girls, are empowered to make their own decisions regarding their social, economic and political rights.

2.4 Target groups & key stakeholders

The direct target group of the intervention is media practitioners which include reporters, editors, managers and owners of media houses. Audiences, and women in particular, are the ultimate beneficiaries.

Learn more here about the call and apply.