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Statutory Instrument 97 of 2026 — the Private Voluntary Organisations (Board and General) Regulations, 2026 — has been gazetted under the Private Voluntary Organisations Act [Chapter 17:05], repealing the 1997 Board & General Regulations and the 2025 Registration Fees Regulations.
The new regulations set out comprehensive rules governing the PVO Board and the registration of Private Voluntary Organisations in Zimbabwe. Key provisions include: procedures for the appointment, tenure (3 years, renewable once), disqualification, and vacation of office of Board members; rules for Board meetings, quorums, committees, minutes, and remuneration; a detailed registration process for PVOs, including required documentation (constitution, CVs, ID copies, police clearance for executive Board members) and a 90-day decision timeline for the Registrar; specific constitutional requirements that every registered PVO must meet; provisions for partial exemptions and temporary authority to collect public contributions; requirements for reports, returns, and audited accounts; the Registrar's powers to inspect and investigate maladministration; and an appeals process to the Minister and, ultimately, the Administrative Court.
The regulations also introduce a new Board nomination and endorsement process (Form PVO 10), requiring detailed candidate eligibility disclosures, endorsements, and conflict-of-interest declarations.
NANGO members and PVOs seeking new registration, renewal, or amendment of registration are encouraged to review the full regulations and forms (First and Second Schedules) to ensure compliance.
📄 Download the full Statutory Instrument below.
The enactment of the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, 2025 has raised many questions and concerns among civil society organisations regarding its provisions, implications, and practical implementation. To address these concerns and provide clarity, the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) has developed the PVO Amendment Act, 2025, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) resource. This comprehensive document compiles the most common questions received by NANGO and CIASA from both local and international NGOs during consultations, compliance clinics, and outreach sessions conducted across Zimbabwe. It offers straightforward, factual responses to help organisations better understand the legal requirements and avoid common misconceptions about the Act.
The FAQs cover a wide range of issues, including registration obligations, transitional arrangements for existing entities, operational restrictions, reporting requirements, and the implications for organisations with international affiliations or funding. By consolidating these responses, NANGO aims to empower NGOs with reliable information, enabling them to plan and adapt their operations in line with the law while continuing to serve communities effectively. This resource also complements other IEC materials produced by NANGO, such as the PVO Amendment Act Fact Sheet, Registration Advisory Note, and awareness videos, all geared towards building an accountable, compliant, and resilient civil society sector in Zimbabwe.
We encourage all organisations to download and study the PVO Amendment Act, 2025, FAQs as part of their compliance and governance processes. For further support or clarification, NANGO’s compliance team remains available through our regional offices and official communication channels. Together, we can strengthen civic space by fostering transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal frameworks that enable inclusive and sustainable development.
The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, 2025 has introduced significant changes to the regulatory environment for civil society organisations operating in Zimbabwe. In response, the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) has developed the PVO Registration Advisory Note to guide organisations through the revised registration process. This Advisory Note serves as a practical, step-by-step resource designed to help both local and international NGOs understand what is required under the new law and how to meet those requirements effectively. It also provides specific guidance for organisations looking to transition from Trusts or Common Law Universitas entities to formal PVO status, ensuring they remain compliant and able to continue their work uninterrupted.
The Advisory Note reflects NANGO’s ongoing commitment to fostering an accountable, compliant, and impactful civil society sector. By equipping organisations with clear instructions and actionable tips, this resource aims to reduce confusion around the new regulatory framework and empower NGOs to sustain their operations without fear of non-compliance. At a time when civic space is under increasing scrutiny, understanding and adhering to legal obligations is essential for maintaining legitimacy and protecting the ability of organisations to serve communities effectively and sustainably.
We encourage all civil society actors to take advantage of this resource by downloading the PVO Registration Advisory Note and reviewing it carefully as part of their compliance efforts. For those seeking further guidance or clarification, NANGO’s regional offices and compliance team remain available to provide support and answer questions. Together, we can uphold the integrity of Zimbabwe’s civil society, ensuring it continues to contribute meaningfully to equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development across the country.
Download the attachment below for more information
NANGO is pleased to share the PVO Amendment Act Fact Sheet 2025, a simple and easy-to-understand guide that explains the main points of the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, 2025. This Fact Sheet is meant to help civil society organisations, stakeholders, and development partners understand the law in a clear and accessible way. It highlights key sections of the Act, explains what they mean, and provides useful notes to support compliance, guide strategic decisions, and strengthen collective advocacy. The Fact Sheet is a helpful tool for anyone working in or with civil society, especially those affected by the new legal requirements. We encourage you to download the Fact Sheet, use it in your work, and share it widely within your networks. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the contents further, please feel free to reach out to the NANGO Secretariat.
S.I.-97-of-2026-Private-Voluntary-Organisations-Board-and-General-Regulations-nom.pdf