Zimbabwe NGOs Face PVO Registration Compliance Challenges

• The Zimbabwean government has introduced new regulations requiring NGOs to register as Public Voluntary Organisations (PVOs).
• NANGO is supporting its members in understanding and complying with the new PVO registration requirements.
• Around 700 organisations have registered so far, but more needs to be done to ensure almost all NGOs can continue operating without disruption.

The Zimbabwean government has introduced new regulations that have significant implications for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the country. The General Import Regulations and the Risk-Based Supervision for Protection from Terrorist Financing Abuse Regulations have created new compliance obligations for NGOs, which must now register as Public Voluntary Organisations (PVOs). This shift has been met with challenges, particularly for smaller organisations that struggle to navigate the complex regulatory landscape.

The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) is playing a crucial role in helping its members understand and comply with the new PVO registration requirements. NANGO executive director Ernest Nyimai has stated that the organisation's primary goal is to bridge the knowledge gap and accompany NGOs through the registration process. To achieve this, NANGO has established platforms that facilitate direct engagement between NGOs and regulators, enabling organisations to receive guidance and raise concerns about provisions that may be difficult to implement.

Despite efforts by NANGO and the PVO Registrar, there are still significant compliance challenges facing NGOs in Zimbabwe. Nyimai has acknowledged that applying uniform regulations to organisations with different capacities is a major issue. He estimates that around 700 organisations have registered so far, representing about 85% compliance. However, he believes that more needs to be done to ensure almost all organisations can continue operating without disruption while complying with the new legal requirements.

Lawyers advising NGOs in Zimbabwe should ensure their clients are aware of the new PVO registration requirements and have completed the necessary registration process to avoid disruption of operations.

Source: Original reporting via The Zimbabwean