State-owned NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has spelt out tough penalties for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which failed to comply with the Laws of Malawi.
The Authority warns that NGOs that do not comply with the law risk closure or being fined.
According to the law, NGOs operating in Malawi are supposed to register with NGORA and to get licensed before starting their operations. Additionally, the organizations are supposed to submit their annual reports to the authority.
But as NGORA Chief Executive Officer Edward Chileka Banda disclosed in Lilongwe on Tuesday, hundreds of NGOs have been operating without valid licenses, rendering it hard for the regulators to follow their activities.
Chileka Banda said while the Government of Malawi recognizes the significant role NGOs play in advancing Malawi’s development agenda, as well as their contributions towards improving enhancing healthcare and education, among others, their impact can only be sustainable if all NGOs operate within the framework of our laws.
“Following the public notice issued by NGORA on 8th November 2024, which gave NGOs to comply with the provisions of the Act by 31st December 2024, I would like to notify you that as of 31st December 2024, NGORA had registered a total number of duly registered NGOs stands at 1,132, a total of 553 NGOs submitted their reports, including technical and audited financial statements,” he said.
He added that 649 NGOs hold valid licenses as of the end of 2024, with the total reported income in the NGO sector for 2024 being K734 billion.
“This implies that following the public notice, a total of 121 NGOs complied with the directive as 55 NGOs registered with NGORA, 55 NGOs submitted their reports, and 11 NGOs renewed their licenses. While we acknowledge this progress, we urge all NGOs that have yet to meet their regulatory obligations to do so promptly.
“As of today, 167 NGOs have acquired a valid 2025 license out of the 1,155 registered organizations. To ensure transparency and accountability, a list of NGOs with and without valid 2025 licenses will be published in the newspapers,” he narrated.
The NGORA chief announced that an official communication will be sent to all relevant service providers, including banks and district councils, instructing them to provide services only to NGOs that hold a valid 2025 license.
“We strongly encourage all non-compliant NGOs to take immediate steps to fulfill their legal obligations and avoid disruptions to their operations. Let me take this opportunity to provide an update regarding the NGO Fund, I am pleased to inform you that the shortlisting of beneficiary NGOs has been finalized. The list of shortlisted organizations will be published in the newspapers, and further guidance on the next steps will be communicated to the selected organizations. We remain committed to ensuring that this fund is allocated transparently and used effectively to strengthen the NGO sector’s capacity.
“The NGO Regulatory Authority remains steadfast in its mandate to regulate, and develop a transparent and accountable NGO sector in Malawi. We appreciate the efforts of all compliant NGOs and encourage those that have not yet met their requirements to do so without further delay. Our doors remain open for engagement, and we continue to count on your cooperation as we work together to strengthen the sector,” stated Chileka Banda.