Development Watch Volume 5, Issue 1

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