NGORA Gives Noncompliant NGOs 7 Weeks to Meet Legal Requirements
According to NGORA's assessment, 344 NGOs are operating without valid licenses, 173 are functioning without registration certificates, and 419 have failed to submit their 2024 annual reports.
LILONGWE, Malawi— The Non-Governmental Organization Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has issued a Dec. 31, 2024, deadline for 936 NGOs to comply with legal registration and reporting requirements, threatening enforcement action for noncompliance. writes Esther Banda.
"This is not a warning but a directive," NGORA Chief Executive Officer Edward Chileka Banda said Wednesday during a press briefing at the Bingu International Convention Centre.
"Non-compliance will result in enforcement action, including potential suspension of operations."
Banda highlighted sections of the NGO (Amendment) Act that prohibit operating an NGO without proper registration and require annual reporting to NGORA.
"We recognize the significant role that NGOs play in advancing Malawi's development agenda, but NGOs are required by the law to register before they start their operations in Malawi," Banda said.
According to NGORA's assessment, 344 NGOs are operating without valid licenses, 173 are functioning without registration certificates, and 419 have failed to submit their 2024 annual reports.
Banda emphasized the potential threats that unregulated NGOs pose, including money laundering, theft, terrorist financing, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation.
"When NGOs operate outside the legal framework, it not only compromises their legitimacy but also can expose our communities to threats," he explained.
NGORA expressed gratitude to the over 600 NGOs that have already complied with regulatory requirements and pledged to work collaboratively with the sector to facilitate compliance.