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Government budget decisions – what taxes to levy, what services to provide, and how much debt to take on – have important consequences for all people in society. When governments provide information and meaningful channels for the public to engage in these decisions, we can better ensure public money is spent on public interests.
The Open Budget Survey (OBS) is the world’s only independent, comparative and fact-based research instrument that uses internationally accepted criteria to assess public access to central government budget information; formal opportunities for the public to participate in the national budget process; and the role of budget oversight institutions, such as legislatures and national audit offices, in the budget process.
The survey helps local civil society assess and confer with their government on the reporting and use of public funds. This 9th edition of the OBS covers 125 countries. Visit www.internationalbudget.org/open-budget-survey for more information, including the full OBS methodology, the 2023 Global Report, findings for all surveyed countries, and the Data Explorer.
The 14th NGO Directors Summer Retreat is a flagship event bringing together visionary leaders and key stakeholders from civil society organizations across Zimbabwe and beyond. Hosted under the theme "Empowering Civil Society to Navigate Evolving Landscapes for Collective Impact," this program provides a platform to engage, collaborate, and strategize for transformative change.
Participants will delve into pressing topics, including governance, sustainability, digital transformation, and innovative approaches to tackling socio-economic challenges. Through thought-provoking plenary sessions, interactive workshops, and dynamic panel discussions, the retreat aims to empower leaders to adapt to changing contexts, strengthen partnerships, and foster collective impact.
This year’s program features renowned keynote speakers, insightful case studies, and ample networking opportunities to foster meaningful connections. Together, we will chart a course for a resilient and thriving civil society that champions inclusive development and equitable progress.
Join us at the 14th NGO Directors Summer Retreat—where leadership meets innovation for a better future.
NANGO successfully hosted the 14th Edition of the Annual NGO Directors Summer Retreat from 23 to 25 October 2024 at Troutbeck Resort Hotel, Nyanga, Zimbabwe. This annual gathering provides a platform for CSO leaders to engage in collective reflection, experience sharing, and strategic planning to strengthen civil society in Zimbabwe. With 143 participants from across the country, this year's retreat took place against the backdrop of an evolving civic space, marked by the passage of the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill and increasing restrictions on CSO operations.
The retreat emphasized the need for CSOs to adapt and respond to a broader spectrum of challenges, including economic instability, climate concerns such as the looming El Niño-induced drought, and rising social ills like drug and substance abuse. Discussions centered on navigating the regulatory landscape, strengthening advocacy efforts, and fostering an enabling environment for civil society. Participants also explored strategies for countering narratives that discredit CSOs while reinforcing their role in good governance and inclusive development.
As a key outcome, the retreat produced a comprehensive action agenda and resolution blueprint, outlining strategies to safeguard civic space, enhance accountability, and amplify collective impact. NANGO and its members remain committed to championing sustainable development, good governance, and the resilience of Zimbabwe’s civil society sector. This document serves as a guiding framework to drive strategic interventions and ensure a united, impactful, and empowered civil society movement in Zimbabwe.
Open-Budget-Survey-Zimbabwe-2023.pdf