Corporate Social Responsibility Programme in Tanzania — Art in Tanzania

What is it? The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme places international students and volunteers at the intersection of business education and real-world impact in Tanzania — working with corporate partners, government institutions, and local communities to educate, advocate, and implement CSR and climate-responsibility principles. It is run by Art in Tanzania (AIT), a community-development NGO founded in 1996.

Where? Schools, public settings, and partner companies around Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

How long? Flexible — 2 weeks to 12 months, with start and end dates adjustable year-round.

Working hours? 6–8 hours per day, Monday to Friday.

Who joins? AIT typically hosts 15–40 international students at a time, drawn from over 1000 partner universities worldwide.

Why does this programme matter?

Tanzania's economy is growing fast, but growth without accountability leaves communities behind. While CSR is embedded in curricula and public discourse across the Western world, many Tanzanian corporations and institutions have yet to make it a genuine operational priority — even as climate change reshapes the agricultural economy millions depend on. This programme works in the gap between awareness and action.

What does the CSR Programme involve?

This placement is a cross-disciplinary programme — students from business, law, environmental science, communications, education, public policy, and other fields find meaningful roles. Work spans:

Education and awareness — delivering CSR and climate-change education in schools and public settings, working with the Tanzanian business community to make these concepts locally relevant and accessible.
Environmental fieldwork — practical field operations, including tree nursery management and community planting initiatives.
Corporate engagement — working with partner companies to assess and develop their CSR strategies and build a culture of accountability in Tanzania's growing private sector.
Planning, reporting, and visibility — contributing to programme documentation, progress reporting, and public visibility so the impact is captured and communicated.
Academic research and thesis — students fulfilling thesis or research objectives can integrate this work into their placement, with daily supervision from academic-level team leaders.

Who does the programme partner with?

AIT partners with leading Tanzanian and international organisations, including the University of Dar es Salaam, Twiga Cement, Airtel, Coca-Cola, NBC Bank, and PVC. The programme is actively expanding, bringing on new corporate and institutional partners that widen the scope and reach of the work.

How does the placement work?

You are not dropped in without support. Academic-level team leaders supervise your placement daily, and a weekly plan-and-report system keeps you on track. The outcome is concrete: you learn to apply your education in a developing-country context with real resource constraints, gaining a grounded understanding of responsible business practice — and discovering the opportunities in one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Your placement is fully tailored to your background, experience, and interests.

Who runs the programme, and since when?

Art in Tanzania (AIT) has placed approximately 250 participants annually in hands-on community programmes across Tanzania since 1996. The CSR Programme bridges the private sector, government institutions, and local communities.

What is life in Tanzania like during the placement?

Tanzania is more than a work destination — vibrant culture, extraordinary wildlife, and some of Africa's most iconic landscapes are on your doorstep. Affordable, sustainable safaris and tours are available for you and visiting friends or family.

Can I get funding?

Yes. Erasmus+ funding may be available for this placement. Ask your student or international office about grant options that could fully or partially fund the experience.

Frequently asked questions

What does the CSR Programme involve?

CSR and climate education, environmental field work (tree nurseries and community planting), corporate engagement on CSR strategy, programme reporting and visibility, and optional academic research or thesis work.

Who can join the CSR Programme?

Students and professionals from business, law, environmental science, communications, education, public policy, and related fields. AIT hosts 15–40 participants at a time from over 400 partner universities worldwide.

Which organisations does the programme partner with?

Partners include the University of Dar es Salaam, Twiga Cement, Airtel, Coca-Cola, NBC Bank, and PVC, with new partners being added.

How long is the placement?

From 2 weeks to 12 months, flexible to your schedule, with start dates adjustable year-round.

What are the working hours?

6–8 hours per day, Monday to Friday.

Is funding available?

Yes — Erasmus+ funding may fully or partially cover your placement. Ask your student office about grant options.

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