Tough year ahead for Zimbabwe NGOs

THE National Association of Non-governmental Organisations (NANGO), the umbrella body representing Zimbabwe's civil society sector, has resumed operations and outlined an ambitious agenda for 2026 as it steps up support for its members amid a tightening regulatory and funding environment.

In a 2026 welcome message, NANGO executive director Mr Ernest Nyimai reaffirmed the association's mandate to co-ordinate, represent and strengthen non-governmental organisations (NGOs), despite what he described as an increasingly complex and challenging operating landscape.

The move comes after Government last year enacted legislation aimed at regulating NGOs and civil society organisations (CSOs), a development that observers say could restrict civic space and limit sector activities.

"NANGO remains steadfast in its mandate to co-ordinate, represent and strengthen the civil society sector in Zimbabwe," said Mr Nyimai.

He said CSOs were bracing for a difficult year marked by regulatory shifts, political and socio-economic uncertainties, shrinking development financing and deepening social challenges.

"As we embark on 2026, we remain acutely aware that the operating environment for CSOs in Zimbabwe and beyond continues to evolve in complex and often challenging ways," he said.

Mr Nyimai highlighted the partial implementation of the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act as a major concern, noting that critical aspects such as the gazetting of regulations, the reconstitution of the PVO Board and the establishment of a registrar's office remain outstanding.

He added that a significant backlog of NGO registration applications has yet to be resolved, creating anxiety and uncertainty for organisations seeking to regularise their legal status.

"These realities underscore the continued importance of sustained and constructive engagement with regulators, alongside the provision of practical compliance guidance and strengthened sector-wide co-ordination," he said.

NANGO said the sector is also under pressure from a growing mismatch between needs and available resources, driven by shifts in global development financing, donor realignments and domestic budget constraints.

At the same time, Zimbabwe continues to face high unemployment, rising substance abuse, worsening mental health challenges and deepening poverty, all of which have increased demand for CSO services.

"These challenges have intensified demand for CSO intervention at a time when available resources are increasingly constrained. We are called not only to adapt, but to innovate, collaborate and collectively safeguard civic space," Mr Nyimai said.

He underscored the need for stronger partnerships and domestic resource mobilisation to ensure sustainability.

To respond to these challenges, NANGO announced several flagship initiatives for 2026, including the third Civil Society Organisations Symposium to mark World NGO Day, a dedicated CSO Capacity Development Programme, regional NGO expos and the 16th Annual NGO Directors' Summer Retreat.

The association will also continue with its "Talk to Your Regulator" sessions and compliance clinics aimed at helping members navigate the evolving legal and regulatory environment.