The NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has set a compliance deadline of 31 December 2024 for all non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in Malawi.
The directive mandates that NGOs must meet legal requirements, including proper registration and the submission of 2024 annual reports. Failure to comply will result in enforcement actions, such as the suspension of their operations.
“It is illegal to operate an NGO without proper registration,” Chief Executive Officer of NGORA, Edward Chileka Banda emphasised.
“These provisions are not optional; they are essential for protecting public interest and ensuring transparent and accountable operations across the sector,” said Banda.
The authority has emphasised that these measures are critical to safeguarding the welfare of Malawians.
NGORA said that public notices were issued earlier this year, with previous deadlines set in March. Despite continuous communication through various media and direct engagements, many NGOs have failed to comply.
“As of now, our assessment shows that 344 NGOs are operating without valid licences, 173 lack registration certificates, and 419 have not submitted their 2024 reports,” disclosed Banda.
Pointing out the risks, NGORA said that unregistered NGOs can pose serious threats.
“We have reports of organisations involved in activities such as child trafficking and financial scams. Such operations undermine public trust and exploit vulnerable communities,” he said.
To reinforce the importance of compliance, NGORA will publish the names of non-compliant NGOs in print media.
“This will ensure that the public is informed and that NGOs take this directive seriously,” the authority said.
NGORA has urged all affected NGOs to act swiftly.
“We are committed to working collaboratively to facilitate compliance. By fostering a culture of accountability, we can ensure that NGOs continue their vital work in positively impacting lives,” concluded Chileka.
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