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Introduction Hope is a universal, multidimensional psychological construct related to an individual's expectation that they will achieve desirable outcomes by setting realistic objectives. The study aims to investigate the factors associated with hope among adolescents in Tanzania. Methods Baseline characteristics were collected from 2,058 adolescent girls and 1,770 adolescent boys at 41 primary and 13 secondary schools in Korogwe District, Tanzania . The level of hope was measured using the Herth Hope Index. The associated hope factors were analyzed using multiple linear regression models based on sex. Results The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that secondary school students demonstrated significantly higher levels of hope for the future than primary school students among both adolescent girls and boys [95% CI]: 2.34 [1.53 to 3.15], 1.69 (0.98 to 2.41). Both Christian adolescent girls and boys had significantly higher levels of hope than their Muslim counterparts. Adolescent girls who intended to enrol in secondary school or obtain employment exhibited significantly higher levels of hope than those who were uncertain about their post-school plans.  Conclusions This study showed common and distinct factors associated with hope for the future ofadolescent girls and boys in Tanzania. This suggests that there are potential avenues for identifying target subpopulations of adolescent girls and boys and developing sex-specific interventions to enhance their hope for the future. Future research must focus on elucidating the methods for assessing and measuring hope in various populations in order to understand the essence of this concept based on strengths within particular cultural contexts., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. National institute of Medical Research, The United Republic of Tanzania issued approval NIMR/HQ/R.8a/Vol.IX988. In accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki of 1975 (2008 revised version) ethical approval to conduct this study was obtained from the National Institute of Medical Research in Tanzania (NIMR/HQ/R.8a/Vol.IX988). All information was kept confidential, and the anonymity of the participants was maintained. The investigators explained to teachers the purpose and contents of the survey, and then teachers provided informed consent and explained to students to attend the survey voluntarily. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: This work was supported by the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) Partnership Program. The funders had no role in the analysis and interpretation of data, the writing of the report, or the decision to submit the paper for publication. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Osman et al.)