NANGO Reboots Operations, Sets Ambitious Agenda Amid Regulatory Shifts

NANGO has resumed full operations and outlined a 2026 agenda focused on regulatory engagement, capacity building and sector resilience as Zimbabwe’s civil society faces tighter laws, funding pressures and rising social needs (image source)

HARARE — The National Association of Non-governmental Organisations (NANGO) has resumed full operations and unveiled a strategic agenda for 2026 as Zimbabwe’s civil society sector navigates a tightening regulatory and funding environment. In a welcome message, executive director Ernest Nyimai reaffirmed NANGO’s role in coordinating, representing and strengthening non-governmental organisations amid mounting legal and financial pressures.

Nyimai said the sector faces a challenging year shaped by the partial implementation of the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Act, unresolved regulatory instruments and a backlog of registration applications that have left many organisations in legal limbo. Key outstanding actions include the gazetting of regulations, reconstitution of the PVO Board and establishment of a registrar’s office — steps Nyimai said are essential to restore clarity and predictability for NGOs.

Beyond regulatory uncertainty, NANGO warned of shrinking development financing and donor realignments that have reduced available resources even as social needs intensify. Zimbabwe continues to grapple with high unemployment, rising substance abuse, worsening mental health and deepening poverty, increasing demand for civil society interventions at a time when funding is constrained. Nyimai said these realities underscore the importance of sustained and constructive engagement with regulators, alongside practical compliance guidance and strengthened sector-wide coordination.

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To bolster resilience, NANGO announced a slate of flagship initiatives for 2026. These include 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 its “Talk to Your Regulator” sessions and compliance clinics to help members navigate evolving legal requirements.

Nyimai emphasised the need for stronger partnerships and domestic resource mobilisation to reduce dependence on external donors. He urged NGOs to innovate, collaborate and pursue local funding streams while maintaining accountability and transparency. He said civil society actors are called not only to adapt, but to innovate, collaborate and collectively safeguard civic space.

Civil society leaders welcomed NANGO’s renewed focus but cautioned that success will depend on constructive engagement with government, donor flexibility and practical support for smaller organisations struggling to meet compliance costs. Analysts say NANGO’s agenda — combining advocacy, capacity building and regulatory dialogue — aims to stabilise the sector and preserve its ability to deliver essential services during a period of heightened uncertainty.

As NANGO moves forward, its capacity to convene stakeholders and broker solutions will be tested. For many NGOs, the association’s role as a coordinator and advocate remains vital to ensuring that civil society can continue to respond to Zimbabwe’s pressing social and development challenges.