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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
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 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Best Practices Paper on Combating the Abuse of NonProfit Organisations was first written in 2002 at a time when the FATF had just introduced standards to address specific terrorist financing (TF) vulnerabilities and threats in the wake of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. Since then, the threat environment has evolved, government experience implementing Recommendation 8 has advanced, and the non-profit organisation (NPO) sector and self-regulatory mechanisms have also continued to evolve. A limited update of the best practices paper was conducted in 2013 with specific input from the NPO sector to reflect the revised FATF Recommendations and the need to protect the legitimate activities of NPOs. The FATF published a typologies report on the Risk of Terrorist Abuse in Non-Profit Organisations (the typologies report) in June 2014, and the best practices paper has now been further revised to reflect some of the findings of that report along with additional input and examples of good practice from governments and the private sector.
The FATF recognises the vital importance of the NPO community in providing charitable services around the world, as well as the difficulty of providing assistance to those in need, often in remote regions, and applauds the efforts of the NPO community to meet such needs. One of the main objectives of this best practices paper is to facilitate NPO efforts and protect the integrity of the NPO sector by providing examples of additional ways that governments and the NPO sector can work towards protecting the global NPO sector from terrorist abuse. These good practices are not mandatory elements of the FATF Standards1, and are included as examples only.
The FATF is committed to maintaining a close and constructive dialogue with the private sector, including the NPO sector, as important partners in ensuring the integrity of the financial system.
For more information download the paper below.
NANGO-PVO-Registration-Advisory-Note-2025.pdf