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Welcome to the first edition of the NANGO Development Watch Newsletter for 2025 — a year that has begun with both promise and profound shifts in Zimbabwe’s civil society landscape. This issue comes at a critical time when the sector is adjusting to the realities of the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, 2025, while also grappling with the recent funding cuts by the United States Government (USG), one of Zimbabwe’s long-standing development partners.
These developments mark a defining moment for the civil society sector. The reduction in donor support has far-reaching implications for programme sustainability, community outreach, and advocacy efforts, especially for local organisations that rely heavily on external funding. At the same time, the implementation of the PVO Amendment Act calls for greater adaptability and resilience as organisations re-evaluate their governance, accountability, and operational frameworks to align with the new legal environment. Together, these twin challenges demand strategic foresight, collaboration, and innovation
from all stakeholders within the civic space. Despite these challenges, we are encouraged by the determination of our members and partners who continue to champion human rights, social justice, and inclusive development even in constrained environments.
Download the attached file for more
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.
The Income Tax Act [Chapter 23:06] governs the levying, calculation and collection of income tax in Zimbabwe, covering exemptions and allowable deductions, taxation of shareholders, interest, fees, remittances and royalties, self-assessment and return-filing obligations, special provisions for cross-border and international transactions, and a range of specific levies including presumptive tax, intermediated money transfer tax and non-executive directors' fees tax. NANGO shares this legislation as a resource for member organisations, particularly around understanding exemptions relevant to non-governmental and non-profit entities and staying informed of their tax compliance obligations under Zimbabwean law. Members are encouraged to review the Act, available in full below, and to seek professional tax advice where specific application to their organisation is unclear.
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
Development-Watch-Volume-5-Issue-1-1.pdf