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2021 has been a challenging year for civil society in Zimbabwe but also a year of achievements and successes as we build back better from the scourge of the COVID-19 pandemic. The civic space environment in Zimbabwe has undoubtedly deteriorated over the past years, with more existential threats and attacks on civic freedoms. In Zimbabwe, we have seen the government moving ahead to amend the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Act. In short, we witness a great contestation of those civic actors working for human rights, democratic freedoms, and social justice.
In many instances, civil society has not been spared from COVID-19-induced restrictions but has also succeeded in mobilising and putting solidarity into practice to provide help, share vital information and hold the government accountable for the COVID-19 response. The pandemic confronted us with the interlinked nature of the threats facing people and their livelihoods. The extent of consequences of this crisis will continue to unfold for many years and continue to change our societies for decades to come. In light of this, civil society needs to rethink and adapt continuously to the changes in various contexts. And more than ever, civil society organisations must exert their power to change things for the better.
As the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), we believe that civil society in Zimbabwe has a crucial role to play in our country which is facing increasingly complex challenges. We are convinced that movement building and collaboration will be determining factors to position civil society as a key actor of governance at all levels, to promote human rights, and to build an inclusive and sustainable world. The increasing restrictions on civic space highlighted by the NANGO members across the country give the necessity to develop sustainable links between civil society organisations and the citizens who are the beneficiaries of our interventions, the strengthening of collaborations between CSOs and the private sector when values are shared, and more importantly the ability to find each other between CSOs and government at all levels.
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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.
The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) proudly presents its 2023 Annual Report, reflecting a year of dedicated efforts to advance civic space, foster collaboration, and strengthen the role of civil society in Zimbabwe. Throughout 2023, NANGO championed inclusive policy engagement, enhanced capacity development, and amplified the voice of over 1,200 member organisations. The report captures key milestones, including strengthened partnerships through national forums, strategic dialogues on FATF Recommendation 8, and coordinated advocacy on civic space and development. It also highlights our progress in promoting accountability, transparency, and resilience within the NGO sector. As a unified platform, NANGO continued to support its members in navigating regulatory changes, mobilising resources, and influencing policy for collective impact. This Annual Report serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and our unwavering commitment to building a just, inclusive, and sustainable society. We invite stakeholders to explore the full report and join us in shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s development.
Download the full report here:
The 13th edition of the Annual NGO Directors Summer Retreat, hosted by the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations, took place from November 22nd to 24th, 2023, at the Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This annual gathering serves as a platform for sharing experiences, engaging in collective reflection, and devising innovative strategies aimed at cultivating a vibrant civil society conducive to inclusive development in Zimbabwe.
Building upon the momentum generated in the previous year's retreat, held in 2022, NANGO has been steadfast in its efforts to enhance the skills and capacities of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). These efforts have been directed towards empowering CSOs to articulate and advocate for alternative solutions through strategic narrative shifts.
This year's retreat placed a significant emphasis on the crafting and shaping of new narratives that underscore the indispensable role of civil society in addressing the needs and concerns of the people. Moreover, it delved into strategies aimed at countering narratives designed to undermine CSOs, vilify their communities, and constrict civic space.
For further insights, we invite you to download the attached Action Agenda document.
2021-Annual-Report.pdf