The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (MoPSLSW) has officially gazetted the new registration fees for Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) through Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 82 of 2025. The regulation, issued under Section 28 of the Private Voluntary Organisations Act [Chapter 17:05], introduces separate registration fees for international and local PVOs.
International PVOs are now required to pay a registration fee of US$250.00, while local PVOs will pay a registration fee of US$150.00, payable in local currency at the prevailing bank rate. What remains unclear is whether the organisations will pay at the point of application submission or once their application documents are reviewed by the registrar. It is also unclear whether the payments will be done by cash only or bank transfers will be permissible. We are also unsure on whether organisations that have submitted their applications prior to the gazette will pay or it shall only apply to organisations that are yet to submit their applications. NANGO shall engage the Registrar’s office to get clarification on these grey areas.
NANGO continues to monitor developments regarding the implementation and the operationalisation of the PVO Amendment Act, advocating for a seamless process that will not inhibit or disrupt the operations of the organisations as they adapt to the new regulatory regime.
To ensure members and stakeholders receive tailored support, NANGO is rolling out Compliance Clinics across all its regional offices, designed to provide practical guidance on registration, compliance requirements, and navigating the evolving regulatory framework. These clinics create a safe and collaborative space where organisations can access expert advice, ask questions, and gain clarity on issues related to the PVO Amendment Act and its implementation.
Additionally, you can now get instant support on PVO registration, compliance matters, and other related queries through the NANGO Compliance Chatbot at +263 78 536 1929. Simply start a chat and our virtual assistant will guide you with the information and resources you need.
We remain committed to ensuring that members, partners, and stakeholders have timely information on regulatory updates. We encourage organisations to take note of these changes and factor them into their compliance planning.
With the 90-day transitional period provided for under the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, 2025, having officially ended on 22 August 2025, we wish to update you on the current status and guide you on the way forward.
NANGO is actively engaging with the regulator, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare (MoPSLSW), as we await their official communication on the next steps regarding registration and compliance. Please note, you can still submit your application despite that the 90 working days transitional period has lapsed. We therefore encourage all organisations that have not yet done so to finalise and submit their applications without delay, to avoid disruptions to operations.
Checklist for Local NGOs Transitioning to PVOs
If your organisation is in the process of applying for registration, please ensure that you have compiled the following documents:
Need Support? Visit Our Compliance Clinic
NANGO is here to walk with you through this process. For tailored, in-person support, you can access our Compliance Clinics through the following channels:
Regional Offices – Compliance Clinics are also available at all four NANGO Regional Offices to serve members and stakeholders across the country:
📲 For quick support, you can now get instant support on PVO registration, compliance matters, and other related queries through the NANGO Compliance Chatbot at +263 78 536 1929 or Click Here. Simply start a chat and our virtual assistant will guide you with the information and resources you need. You can also reach us via WhatsApp at: +263 712 507 925
On 11 April 2024, the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, 2025, was signed into law, closing a legislative journey that began on 5 November 2021, when the Bill was first gazetted. Now, 82 days later, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Trusts, and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) across Zimbabwe are actively engaging with the transitional requirements and compliance measures introduced by the new law.
The transition period provides a crucial window for organisations—especially pre-existing Trusts and Common Law Universitas—to register as PVOs. However, several systemic, structural, and operational hurdles have emerged, complicating what should ideally be a straightforward compliance process.
This detailed update draws on data collected by NANGO through PVO Sensitisation and Outreach Blitz, which included workshops in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, and Mutare, reaching a total of 249 organisations. It captures lived realities on the ground, highlights key observations, and presents priority actions needed for a smooth, inclusive and efficient implementation of the PVO Act.
📊 Snapshot of the Registration Progress
Out of the 249 organisations engaged:
If your organisation has not yet participated in our feedback process, we encourage you to contribute to our ongoing PVO registration tracking efforts by completing this short form:
📌 Contextual Realities: Implementation Challenges and Gaps
🧩 Challenges and Observations
From the Regulator’s Side (Supply Side):
From CSOs (Demand Side):
🧰 Resources and Support Offered by NANGO
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document: Aggregated from Registrar responses and field engagements. 🔗 Access FAQ Here
📝PVO Registration Advisory Note: Step-by-step guidance for CSOs navigating the registration process. 🔗 Download the Advisory Note
PVO Amendment Act, 2025, Fact Sheet: A summary of the key provisions for informational purposes. 🔗 Download the Fact Sheet
🤝 In-Person Support and Referrals:
Our Regional Coordinators are available across the five regions to assist in peer reviewing application documents, provide referrals to legal/technical advisors, and assist with form completion and submission.
🚨 Key Asks and Priority Actions Going Forward
To ensure smooth implementation of the PVO Amendment Act, NANGO recommends the following:
To the Regulator:
To Development Partners:
To Civil Society Organisations:
On 11 April 2025, Zimbabwe officially gazetted the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill into law. This marks a major shift in how Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are regulated in the country. The Act, first reintroduced in Parliament on 1 March 2024, moved through all legislative stages despite ongoing concerns from CSOs about some of its provisions and their impact on civic space.
Throughout the process, CSOs engaged openly with the government, hoping to help shape a law that promotes both accountability and a supportive environment for civic work. CSOs have long been key partners in Zimbabwe’s development, contributing to governance, service delivery, and alignment with international standards. Contrary to popular belief, CSOs are not against regulation. They have always shown a willingness to cooperate with the government to ensure a clear and fair operational space.
As part of their engagement, CSOs submitted proposals to Parliament, met with the Minister of Justice, and responded to a call from the Attorney General to share feedback. At one point, the Attorney General even promised to arrange a meeting with the President to resolve outstanding concerns. However, the law was passed before these discussions could take place—disappointing many in the sector and undermining the spirit of inclusive dialogue.
Although the Act claims to promote a better working environment for PVOs, many of its provisions fall short. One major concern is the very short transition period. Section 14 of the schedule gives existing charitable organisations just 90 days to register under the new law. This is not enough time for most organisations, which often need to hold Annual General Meetings (AGMs), change their constitutions (with at least three months’ notice), complete audits, and consult with members and partners. Some may even need to dissolve or restructure existing trusts—steps that take time and legal support.
Initially, CSOs proposed a 12-month transition period. The Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare recommended nine months. Yet, the final law set the deadline at only 90 days, without explaining why. This rushed process risks disrupting the sector, causing legal confusion and potential non-compliance. It also conflicts with Section 68 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which guarantees fair and lawful administrative action.
Another problem is the lack of clarity in the registration process. The law does not outline how applications will be processed, how long decisions will take, or what organisations should do if their applications are rejected or they choose not to re-register. The Registrar has wide powers to demand extra requirements at any time, which could lead to endless delays. Additionally, the new standard constitution model fails to reflect the diversity of CSOs, especially those that are not membership-based.
Public consultations on the Bill also raised concerns. Hearings held in May 2024 were disrupted in cities like Harare, Gweru, Masvingo, and Chinhoyi. Citizens were blocked from participating, and some hearings were abandoned. Still, the Portfolio Committee managed to compile a report with feedback from those who were able to take part.
The law-making process itself also faced issues. Changes made in the National Assembly were not included in the version passed by the Senate in October 2024. These were only partly fixed in February 2025, highlighting poor coordination and transparency in finalising the law.
Beyond legal issues, CSOs have played a vital role in Zimbabwe’s development. They have supported humanitarian efforts, promoted human rights, and worked with the government on health, education, economic development, and disaster response. As Zimbabwe moves from the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to NDS2, strong partnerships with CSOs will remain critical.
CSOs have also supported international development goals and taken part in key reform processes, such as the Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution initiative. Worryingly, the new law may affect Zimbabwe’s performance on global governance indicators. By April 2025, the country had already dropped in nine of sixteen indicators on the Mo Ibrahim Index—an outcome that could worsen if civic space continues to shrink.
Although the Act claims to support PVO operations, many of its provisions create legal confusion, administrative burdens, and restrictions that could prevent CSOs from carrying out their work effectively. If not improved during implementation, the Act could harm Zimbabwe’s democratic growth and development progress.
Zimbabwean CSOs remain committed to transparency, accountability, and national development. They call on the government to reopen inclusive dialogue to ensure that their work is not disrupted. As NANGO, we believe that a strong, independent, and empowered civil society is essential to Zimbabwe’s success—not only in delivering services but in building trust, encouraging innovation, and making sure no one is left behind.
On 26 November 2024, the Deputy President of the Senate, Hon. Michael Nyambuya, announced that the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill [H.B. 2A, 2024] had been sent back to the Senate for reconsideration due to the omission of amendments previously made by the National Assembly. This was done in terms of Standing Order Number 147. These omissions were identified in the consolidated version of the Bill presented to the Senate.
The Senate resumed its debates on 12 February 2025 after their festive break, and the PVO Amendment Bill reconsideration was one of the business for the day. It went through to the third reading, meaning it shall now be transmitted to the next stage, which is the Presidential assent.
During the recommittal stage, the Minister of Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi, detailed the clauses requiring correction. The omissions primarily involved crucial changes to governance structures, compliance requirements, and penalties related to PVO operations. The following clauses were identified for reconsideration:
The PVO Amendment Bill has significant implications for civil society operations, compliance, and governance in Zimbabwe, making it essential for CSOs and stakeholders to remain engaged in the legislative process. NANGO continues to monitor these developments and will provide further updates as they unfold. For a copy of the revised PVO Amendment Bill [H.B. 2A, 2024], which was presented to the Senate, and a link to the Hansard recording of the Senate proceedings, please refer to the following: Revised PVO Bill and Senate Hansard
NANGO remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for an enabling environment that supports the growth and sustainability of Civil Society in Zimbabwe. As we continue to monitor the ongoing developments surrounding the PVO Amendment Bill, we affirm our dedication to pushing for a legislative framework that guarantees fundamental freedoms of association, assembly, and expression in line with the Constitution and other international instruments. NANGO will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers and regulators, to ensure that the revised Bill aligns with the principles of good corporate governance and enhances the role of CSOs in contributing to the country’s inclusive governance and sustainable development. Our efforts to secure a robust and supportive legal instrument reflect our unwavering belief in the vital role that CSOs play in advancing human rights, social justice, and development in Zimbabwe.
The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill H.B.2, 2024, completed its Committee Stage in the National Assembly on the afternoon of September 4, 2024. The Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, proposed a series of amendments, all of which were adopted by the Committee, while amendments suggested by opposition Members of Parliament were rejected. The Bill has now been referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee (PLC) to assess its constitutionality considering the adopted changes.
In response, NANGO is collaborating with other CSOs to review the latest version of the Bill, focusing on the substantive amendments that were adopted by the Committee. While this process is underway, we encourage stakeholders to refer to the September 3, 2024, Parliamentary Hansard for a detailed record of the proceedings and debates surrounding the Bill.
NANGO will continue to engage with relevant authorities to advocate for an enabling environment for CSOs and ensure that any legislative measures are aligned with constitutional principles and international human rights standards. We remain committed to safeguarding the space for civil society to operate freely and without undue interference, recognizing the critical role of NGOs in promoting good governance and development in Zimbabwe.
In a concerning development, government officials in Matabeleland South have introduced new operational guidelines for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), intensifying efforts to exert control over civil society activities. This follows a similar attempt earlier this year, which faced significant pushback from NANGO and other CSOs over concerns related to legality, motivation, and the potential restriction of civic space.
The new directive, communicated via a letter dated August 19, 2024, from Acting Provincial Director of Local Government Services Zacharia Jusa, seeks to enforce strict compliance with a standardized system supposedly aimed at aligning NGO operations with local development goals. However, these guidelines raise serious concerns, as they are not supported by any existing legal or policy framework. This poses significant challenges to the independent and effective operation of CSOs in the province.
The directive outlines extensive requirements, including the submission of 24 registration documents to local authorities, the creation of a District Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, and the submission of detailed monthly financial and programmatic reports. Additionally, NGOs are required to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with multiple government offices and hold inception meetings with local stakeholders, including Chiefs and Members of Parliament, before commencing any programs. These requirements impose a heavy administrative burden on CSOs, many of which are already operating with limited staff and resources.
Civil society actors have expressed widespread concern, noting that national laws governing NGO registration and operation do not grant provincial authorities such regulatory powers. The demands from Matabeleland South introduce administrative hurdles that could paralyze operations and hinder vital work supporting vulnerable communities.
NANGO is actively engaging with provincial authorities to voice CSOs’ concerns over the legality and motivation behind these new requirements. NANGO emphasizes that the resolution to these issues must come from the national level, where ministries and government agencies with the mandate to regulate NGOs can provide clear guidance. Efforts are underway to involve national bodies, including the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare (MoPSLSW), to ensure that any new regulations comply with legal standards and protect the rights of CSOs to operate freely.
This troubling trend of introducing non-legally grounded directives highlights the need for collective civil society action in advocating for an enabling operational environment. NANGO will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for a fair and supportive environment for CSOs across Zimbabwe.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) released its 2024 Mid-Term Monetary Policy Statement on August 30, 2024, presenting several key measures aimed at stabilising the economy amidst persistent challenges such as informalisation and parallel market activity. Notable highlights include the continued tight monetary policy stance and the stability of the structured ZiG currency. While the currency has contributed to relative stability, more efforts are needed to build confidence, especially in the financial sector, and encourage broader use of ZiG across various sectors of the economy.
Key policy adjustments include the RBZ’s intervention in the foreign exchange market, which could reduce reliance on the parallel market by increasing the availability of foreign currency for importers. This intervention is expected to alleviate pressure on businesses and stabilise exchange rates, a critical factor for Zimbabwe’s welfare and development, particularly in the fight against inequality.
The introduction of smaller ZiG denominations, as highlighted in the policy, is an attempt to improve financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas, while addressing pricing issues caused by the lack of small change. Additionally, policies such as exempting small electronic transactions from bank charges aim to ease the financial burden on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These measures are crucial for boosting formalisation and supporting economic participation.
However, NGOs should remain mindful of potential drawbacks. The policy’s tight liquidity controls, while designed to maintain price stability, could reduce the availability of credit, potentially slowing economic activity. Furthermore, the focus on maintaining high statutory reserves may limit banks’ ability to lend, disproportionately affecting low-income households and small businesses.
Overall, the RBZ’s policy trajectory emphasizes stability, but challenges related to inequality and limited access to credit may persist. Civil society actors should continue to monitor how these measures impact communities, particularly vulnerable groups, and advocate for policies that promote inclusive growth and equitable development.
In a nation striving for open dialogue, citizen engagement, and democratic progress, the principles of civic space serve as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s evolving society. These guiding principles form the bedrock upon which citizens, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and policymakers work to foster an environment of free expression, participation, and accountability.
Central to the concept of civic space is the freedom of expression and association. Zimbabweans are entitled to express their opinions, engage in public discourse, and associate with groups of their choosing. This legal safeguard is enshrined within the Zimbabwe Constitution’s Declaration of Rights, precisely located in Chapter 4, Section 61. This fundamental principle encourages open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the ability to collectively address societal challenges.
Civic space embodies the principle of inclusivity, ensuring that every citizen’s voice matters. It is from this realisation that the principle of ‘Leaving No One and No Place Behind’ was coined. Participation extends beyond casting votes during an election process—it includes involvement in decision-making processes, public consultations, and community initiatives. By involving citizens from various backgrounds, the aim is to create policies that resonate with the needs and aspirations of Zimbabwe’s diverse population.
Accountability is a central piece of civic space. Public officials and institutions are expected to be transparent in their actions, decisions, and resource allocation. This principle empowers citizens to hold those in power accountable for their actions, fostering a culture of trust between the government and the governed.
In an unsettling turn of events, attempts made by the public to hold the government accountable have taken a distressing path marred by harassment, intimidation, and censorship in the case of the media. The dynamics between the governed and the government have grown increasingly strained. A recent and alarming development fuelling is the enactment of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Amendment Bill 2022. This bill, upon enactment, would criminalise actions deemed “subversive activities” and “economic sabotage.” This development raises substantial apprehensions, as it could potentially be used to target CSOs, pressure groups, and activists among others that are critical of the government or advocate for much-needed social and economic changes.
The introduction of such legislation has sparked debates about the extent to which it could contribute to the restriction of civic space and hamper the role of CSOs in ensuring transparency and democratic values. As citizens and activists grapple with these challenges, the evolving relationship between governance and accountability remains at the forefront of public concern.
Civic space necessitates the protection of human rights. Citizens are entitled to basic rights, such as freedom from discrimination, access to education, healthcare, and more. Upholding human rights ensures that individuals can engage in civic activities without fear of persecution, enabling a thriving civil society.
An essential component of civic space is the adherence to the rule of law. This ensures that legal frameworks are applied consistently, and no one is above the law. Judicial independence guarantees that citizens can seek recourse if their rights are violated, contributing to a just and fair society. However, alarming reports have emerged of individuals being arrested and detained without formal charges or under questionable circumstances, raising significant human rights concerns. A prominent case that underscores these issues is the prolonged detention of Job Sikhala, who has spent nearly a year behind bars.
Mr. Sikhala’s extended confinement without a clear legal basis has ignited debates over the extent to which citizens’ rights are being safeguarded within the judicial system. Advocates argue that such detentions without proper charges not only infringe upon individuals’ rights but also undermine the principles of justice and fairness.
Civic space acknowledges the significance of CSOs as essential actors in creating an open society. These organisations work to amplify citizens’ voices, advocate for rights, and promote social change. Ensuring the protection of CSOs is vital to maintaining a vibrant civic space.
The consequences of the shrinking civic space are already evident in the country, including a dilution of commitments to the rule of law, social accountability, good governance, and upholding democratic principles and values. An enabling operating environment is urgently required to facilitate the effective implementation of CSOs’ actions, which will have positive downstream multiplier effects on the communities they serve. A vibrant, strong, and free civil society is necessary to ensure sustainable development and provide incentives for democracy and good governance.
The majority of these challenges stem from a prevailing lack of comprehensive information concerning the geographic distribution, impact, and experiences of CSOs This deficiency undermines the effective consolidation and profiling of their narratives, impact, and overall legitimacy. These concerns were notably underscored by state actors during the Social Lab process conducted by NANGO under the Action to Protect and Enhance Civic Space in Zimbabwe (APECS) initiative.
In this regard, the APECS initiative seeks to enhance coordination and decision-making through the development and management of a comprehensive CSO database resulting from rigorous due diligence, profiling, and accreditation needs. This also requires strengthening CSO data protection protocols to safeguard sensitive data, managing data access permits, and capacity strengthening as part of decision-making tools and risk management.
Presently, leveraging the APECS initiative, NANGO has successfully engaged with diverse observer missions as the nation moves closer to the 2023 harmonised elections. These missions encompass renowned entities such as the European Commission, COMESA, Africa Council of Churches, ECF-SADC, and the Commonwealth Observer Group. Beyond observer missions, the association has also fostered connections with media platforms, including Newsroom Africa and SABC. Throughout these interactions, NANGO has shared pertinent issues contextualizing the nation’s electoral and civic space landscape, aiming for these matters and suggestions to reach other essential stakeholders such as the government and electoral institutions in forthcoming engagements.
Furthermore, the APECS initiative assumes the crucial role of monitoring and tracking instances of violence, intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary arrests. This vigilant focus extends particularly to incidents directly involving the civil society sector, pressure groups, activists, and human rights defenders, forming an integral assessment of their safety as elections draw near. The initiative’s scope also encompasses scrutinising media reports and narratives surrounding civil society, recognising its significance. The initiative is also tracking the number of non-state actors accredited to participate during the 2023 harmonised elections as observers. One key incident to note is the refusal to approve the accreditation of Zimbabwean lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. Musa Kika by The Zimbabwe Election Commission.
In December 2022, the Zimbabwean government took a significant step by establishing a Structured Dialogue Platform that convenes creditors and development partners. This establishment aims to institutionalise structured dialogues regarding economic and governance reforms integral to arrears clearance and debt resolution. Within this framework, the participation of the civil society sector remains under watchful observation. This inclusive platform presents an opportune avenue for the APECS initiative to highlight challenges tied to Zimbabwe’s civic space and formulate effective resolutions.