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 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.