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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.
Is your organisation a registered Data Controller?
NGOs and CSOs across Zimbabwe are being urged to check their status under the Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07], following the introduction of POTRAZ Guideline CDPG1 of 2025 on the licensing of Data Controllers. Any organisation that collects personal data — whether on staff, members, beneficiaries, donors, volunteers, or website visitors — is likely classified as a Data Controller and is required by law to register with POTRAZ's Data Protection Authority. To support the sector, NANGO has developed a simple step-by-step guide covering how to assess your status, calculate your licensing tier and fee (ranging from $50 to $2,500), and complete the registration process.
The registration deadline of 12 March 2025 has already passed, placing non-compliant organisations at risk of penalties that include fines of up to Level 11 and/or imprisonment of up to seven years. NANGO is therefore encouraging all member organisations that have not yet registered to act promptly to bring their operations into compliance.
Organisations seeking guidance can reach NANGO's Compliance Support desk on info@nangozim.org or +263 242 708761 / 794973 / 703599. The full step-by-step guide is available to download below.
The Cyber and Data Protection (Licensing of Data Controllers and Appointment of Data Protection Officers) Regulations, 2024 (Statutory Instrument 155 of 2024) operationalise the Cyber and Data Protection Act, requiring any person or organisation that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data to obtain a data controller licence from the Data Protection Authority (POTRAZ), appoint a certified Data Protection Officer, and comply with obligations covering data security, breach notification, children's data, and codes of conduct. NANGO shares these regulations as a resource for member organisations, since licensing is tiered by the number of data subjects processed (from a minimum of 50 up to over 500,000), carries prescribed fees, and non-compliance attracts significant fines or imprisonment. Members are encouraged to review the regulations, available in full below, and to assess promptly whether their organisation is required to license as a data controller and appoint a Data Protection Officer.
NANGO is pleased to share the consolidated Private Voluntary Organizations Act [Chapter 17:05], incorporating all amendments to date, including the significant changes introduced by the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act, 2025 (Act 1 of 2025). This is the principal legislation governing the registration, administration, and conduct of Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) in Zimbabwe, and it remains essential reading for every organisation operating within the sector.
The 2025 amendment brought substantial revisions to the regulatory framework, including new beneficial ownership disclosure requirements, obligations relating to material changes and re-registration, a set of principles governing PVO conduct, expanded anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing provisions, and a new civil penalty regime enforceable by the Registrar. Organisations are strongly encouraged to review these provisions closely to ensure continued compliance.
Members and stakeholders are invited to download the full consolidated Act below to read the complete text. For guidance on interpreting these provisions or assessing your organisation's compliance obligations, please contact the NANGO Secretariat.
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.
S.I.-97-of-2026-Private-Voluntary-Organisations-Board-and-General-Regulations-nom.pdf