NANGO EASTERN

We are happy to announce that for the first time, the NGO Winter School & Expo has been decentralized to our Eastern Region in Mutare, & it’s our time to shine Date: 10-11 July @ Miekles park @nangozimbabwe @greengovzw1 @TIZim_info @ZIMCODD1 @DiamondFMZim #changingthenarrative

📢 Public Hearings Alert! NANGO invites the public to attend Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill Hearings by the Parliament of Zimbabwe. 🗓️ 20 March – 2 April 📍 Across all 10 provinces 🗣️ Your voice matters in shaping Zimbabwe’s Constitution. #CivicParticipation

At the ongoing Talk to Your Regulator (T2R) Interface Session, the NANGO Executive Director highlighted key issues emerging from fact-finding workshops on the PVO registration process. Key concerns include: • Administrative & procedural gaps • Capacity & knowledge gaps

• Transparency challenges • Local-level barriers These insights are critical to strengthening an enabling environment for CSOs. #TalkToRegulators #CivicSpaceMatters #T2R

The NANGO Chairperson has officially opened the ongoing Talk to Your Regulator (T2R) Interface Session, bringing together CSOs and regulators from across all regions.

At a time of evolving compliance frameworks, the dialogue is focused on strengthening collaboration, sharing lived realities, and advancing an enabling environment for civil society. Together, we continue to champion #CivicSpace and constructive engagement. #TalkToYourRegulator

Happening now in Harare: the Talk To Your Regulator (T2R) Interface Session bringing NGOs face-to-face with key regulators including MoPSLSW, ZIMRA, NSSA, FIU, Urban Councils & ARDC. Strengthening dialogue for a better operating environment. #TalkToRegulators #CivicSpaceMatters

We are in Harare today for the first 2026 Talk To Your Regulator (T2R) Interface Session, with support from Trocaire. T2R fosters dialogue between NGOs & regulators to strengthen compliance, collaboration & an enabling environment for CSOs in Zimbabwe. #TalkToRegulators #T2R

Day 2 Key Highlights | 15th NGO Directors Summer Retreat | Key Recommendations for Strengthening Compliance with the Cyber and Data Protection Act Tsungai korerai highlighted that effective compliance requires collective responsibility across all organisational levels. To enhance readiness and minimise regulatory risk, organisations were encouraged to take the following steps: 1. Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) at the appropriate senior level to oversee compliance and guide data governance. 2. Conduct comprehensive and integrated data mapping to understand what data is collected, stored, processed, and shared. 3. Implement an automated Data Subject Access Rights (DSARs) management system to ensure timely and accurate responses to data requests. 4. Automate data discovery and key workflow processes where possible to improve efficiency and reduce errors. 5. Ensure data protection knowledge is not delegated solely to the DPO—every staff member must understand their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding data. These recommendations reinforce the need for proactive, organisation-wide compliance as the regulatory landscape shifts from awareness to enforcement. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #KnowYourRegulations #CivicSpaceMatters

Key Insights on the Implications of Non-Compliance with the Cyber and Data Protection Act During the session, Tsungai reminded participants that compliance with the Cyber and Data Protection Act is not optional—it's a legal obligation that carries significant consequences for organisations that fall short. Non-compliance may result in sanctions imposed on the Data Controller (organisation), including financial penalties and restrictions that can disrupt operations. The Act also introduces criminal liability, placing accountability not only on institutions but also on individuals responsible for data handling and governance. A critical reminder was issued regarding the registration and licensing deadline of 12 March 2025, by which all relevant entities must be formally registered with the Data Protection Authority. Importantly, the Authority will be shifting from an awareness-raising phase to a full enforcement phase in 2026, signalling increased scrutiny, inspections, and stricter adherence to the law. Participants were urged to adopt a proactive approach to compliance—strengthening internal systems, training staff, updating policies, and ensuring that organisational practices align fully with the regulatory framework. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #KnowYourRegulations #CivicSpaceMatters

Day 2 | 15th NGO Directors Summer Retreat We continue with powerful conversations shaping the future of Zimbabwe’s civic space. Session 8, moderated by Sandra Mazunga, National Coordinator of ZACRAS, focused on a critical area for NGOs operating in an increasingly digital environment: Knowledge Bridging – Cyber and Data Protection Act and its Regulations. As digital transformation accelerates, organisations are confronted with new legal, ethical, and operational responsibilities concerning data privacy, cybersecurity, and the protection of digital rights. The Cyber and Data Protection Act, together with its regulations, introduces a comprehensive framework guiding how NGOs collect, process, store, and share information—making compliance not only a legal obligation but a cornerstone of responsible programming. In her presentation titled “The Legal Implications of the Act and its Regulations to the NGO Sector,” Tsungai Kokerai of Solika Consultancy unpacked the key provisions of the Act, highlighted emerging compliance risks, and provided practical insights on how NGOs can align their internal systems with the law. This session underscored the importance of strengthening organisational digital governance, building staff capacity on data protection, and ensuring that digital rights remain protected as the sector advances technologically. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #KnowYourRegulations

Day 2 Panel Reflections | Advancing the Localisation Agenda During the ongoing discussions at the 15th NGO Directors Summer Retreat, the panel and main presenter emphasised strategies for moving the localisation agenda from rhetoric to practice. They highlighted the importance of ensuring decision-making autonomy for local actors and strengthening local systems through capacity-strengthening, particularly with support from International NGOs. Local actors were encouraged to stop looking upward for solutions and funding, and instead focus inward, leveraging the innovations and initiatives already present within their communities. Ennie Chipembere added that discussions on the localisation agenda have been ongoing since the 2022 NGO Directors Summer Retreat. She called on participants to approach the 16th NGO Directors Summer Retreat with a personal understanding of localisation, grounded in research and practical experience. She urged each individual to identify potential collaborators and actionable steps, rather than repeatedly seeking a single definition of the localisation agenda. The session underscored the need for proactive engagement, local ownership, and innovation as central pillars for advancing meaningful localisation in Zimbabwe. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #ShiftingThePower #CivicSpaceMatters

📌 Day 2 Panel Discussion | "Localisation in Action" Initiative at the 15th NGO Directors Summer Retreat During Session 7 of the 15th NGO Directors Summer Retreat, we were joined by Rosewita Katsande from Youth Empowerment and Transformation Trust (YETT) and Langton from the Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) for a thought-provoking discussion on translating the localisation agenda from policy rhetoric into real action on the ground. The panel explored how Zimbabwe is progressing in shifting power, resources, and decision-making to local actors and what practical steps national and international partners can take to support this transition responsibly. Localisation remains a global term that needs to be adapted to Zimbabwe’s unique context, and communities must be actively included in conversations and decision-making processes. The discussion also highlighted persistent power imbalances in partnerships, with International NGOs often setting the model, designing programs, and determining implementation approaches. The session emphasised the urgent need to move beyond rhetoric and embed local ownership, accountability, and sustainable decision-making in development practice. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #LocalisationAgenda #CivicSpaceMatters

Day 2 | 15th NGO Directors Summer Retreat Session 7, “Localisation in Action: Making a Shift from Rhetoric to Reality,” moderated by Mvuselelo Huni and sponsored by @bvtatrust, delved into the practical realities of the localisation agenda in Zimbabwe. The session highlighted that while localisation — transferring power, resources, and decision-making to local actors — has gained strong momentum in global and national discourse, practical implementation often remains the missing link. Discussions focused on assessing progress within the civil society and development ecosystem, examining donor commitments, intermediary partnerships, and CSO practices to determine whether they have translated into meaningful shifts in leadership, funding, and accountability to local organisations. The main presentation, delivered by Mr. Gideon Mukwishu, Coordinator for the Zimbabwe Alliance for Humanitarian Action (ZAHA), explored the current progress in advancing the localisation agenda in Zimbabwe. Key questions posed to participants included: Whose agenda is it? Do we have the courage to make the shift? The session provided a critical platform to identify persistent barriers, highlight promising practices, and chart forward-looking strategies to strengthen local ownership, capacity, and sustainability in the sector. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #ShiftingThePower #CivicSpaceMatters

Day 2 Update | PVO Board and Application Approvals During the ongoing discussions at the 15th NGO Directors Summer Retreat, participants inquired about the current composition of the PVO Board. The Acting PVO Registrar, Mr. Tirivavi Totamirepi, confirmed that there are currently no sitting representatives on the Board. He explained that appointments will be made soon, following a call for nominations, with final approval resting with the Minister. In the meantime, the PVO Registrar’s office is provisionally approving all applications to ensure that organisations can continue their work without undue delays. This measure aligns with broader efforts to clear the backlog of pending applications and streamline the registration process. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #FATF #CivicSpaceMatters

Day 2 Reflections | Strengthening CSO Engagement in the Mutual Evaluation Process During today’s discussions, our Executive Director, Mr. Ernest Nyimai, posed an important question to Hilder Achiro from the Civic Advisory Hub regarding best practices for civil society engagement during the FATF Mutual Evaluation Process. In her response, she underscored the importance of ensuring that CSOs are adequately capacitated to understand the process and that as many NPOs as possible receive this support. She emphasised that meaningful participation requires informed engagement across the sector. Hilder also highlighted the value of including CSO representatives within the pool of assessors. She noted that many assessors traditionally come from financial regulatory backgrounds and may have limited understanding of the civil society landscape. Bringing CSO expertise into the assessment process would help ensure a more balanced and context-sensitive evaluation. She further stressed the importance of analysing the Mutual Evaluation Report once it is published. She noted that the process should not end with the report itself; instead, CSOs should use it as a strategic tool to identify gaps, advocacy priorities, and areas requiring institutional strengthening. In response to a related question about disparities between the Zimbabwe Youth Act and the PVO Amendment Act of 2025, the Acting PVO Registrar, Mr. Tirivavi, explained that amendments to the PVO Act repealed both the Deeds Registries Act and the Zimbabwe Youth Council Act. He noted that this makes harmonisation essential to ensure coherence within the regulatory framework. These discussions continue to reinforce the importance of informed participation, coordinated advocacy, and regulatory clarity as Zimbabwe prepares for the 2026 Mutual Evaluation. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #FATF #CivicSpaceMatters

Day 2 Update | Addressing Delays in the PVO Registration Process During the ongoing dialogue on regulatory preparedness for the 2026 FATF Mutual Evaluation, the Acting PVO Registrar, Mr. Tirivavi Totamirepi, was asked to comment on delays faced by organisations—particularly at district, provincial, and local authority levels—when seeking support letters required for PVO registration. He acknowledged these challenges and highlighted that such delays amount to unnecessary red tape within the current system. He noted that these procedural hurdles are being reviewed with the intention of removing them to ensure a more efficient, streamlined, and accessible registration process for organisations across the country. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #FATF #CivicSpaceMatters

Day 2 Insights | Clarifying NPO Definitions and Preparedness for the Mutual Evaluation During the ongoing session on CSO readiness for the 2026 FATF Mutual Evaluation, the FIU Acting Deputy Director was asked to clarify the current definition of a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) and whether it applies to both local and international NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. He was also requested to explain whether the FIU is actively engaging INGOs as part of the Mutual Evaluation preparations to ensure a balanced and inclusive process. In response, he provided the FATF definition of an NPO and explained how it guides national assessment processes. He also noted that Zimbabwe’s primary focus in this context is on “Transit Terrorism,” offering a definition and explanation to support understanding of how this risk is assessed within the AML/CFT/PF framework. The Acting PVO Registrar addressed a related question concerning the existence of a central NPO database, which is a key area of interest for assessors during the evaluation. He confirmed that his office is continuously updating the database and has ensured that it is accessible both online and offline, covering all registered PVOs across the country. These exchanges reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, coordination, and sector-wide understanding as Zimbabwe prepares for the upcoming Mutual Evaluation. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #FATF #CivicSpaceMatters

Day 2 Reflections | Insights on Unintended Consequences of the Mutual Evaluation Process During the ongoing discussions on CSO preparedness for the 2026 FATF Mutual Evaluation, Hilder Achiro shared important insights on the potential unintended consequences that may arise when regulatory reforms are introduced without meaningful consultation with the affected sector. She noted that when laws are passed without adequate engagement, challenges often emerge during operationalisation and implementation. She cited an example from Uganda, where the inclusion of a “Beneficial Owner” requirement in legislation has created significant difficulties for the NPO sector in applying the provision in practice. Building on this point, Wilbert Mandinde emphasised the importance of timely and well-structured consultations. He highlighted that allowing sufficient time for engagement enables stakeholders to provide informed input, reduces the likelihood of restrictive outcomes, and ultimately supports the development of regulations that are both implementable and aligned with the realities of the civic operating environment. These reflections reinforce the value of collaborative law-making processes that safeguard civic space while supporting effective compliance within the FATF framework. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #FATF #civicspacematters

Day 2 Panel Discussion | FATF Recommendation 8 and Civic Space As part of the 15th NGO Directors Summer Retreat, today’s session on CSO readiness for Zimbabwe’s 2026 FATF Mutual Evaluation featured an important panel discussion with contributions from Mr. Tirivavi Totamirepi (Acting PVO Registrar), Hilder Achiro (Civic Advisory Hub), and Wilbert Mandinde (Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum). The panel examined the key elements of FATF Recommendation 8 and its implications for the regulation and functioning of NPOs in Zimbabwe. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that AML/CFT measures remain proportionate, risk-based, and do not create unnecessary barriers to legitimate civil society activities. Panelists also reflected on the unintended consequences that may arise from Recommendation 8, such as over-regulation, de-risking, and undue restrictions on CSO operations. They emphasised the need for constructive engagement between regulators and civil society to mitigate these risks while maintaining effective compliance with global standards. During the session, the Acting PVO Registrar responded to questions regarding the backlog of PVO applications and its potential impact on Zimbabwe’s upcoming Mutual Evaluation, providing clarity on efforts underway to address the issue. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #AntiMoneyLaundering #CivicSpaceMatters #FATF

Day 2 Highlight | Understanding the FATF Mutual Evaluation Process During Session 6 on CSO Readiness for the 2026 FATF Mutual Evaluation, Mr. Tichafa Chigaba, Deputy Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), provided valuable insights into how the evaluation is conducted and what it means for Zimbabwe’s civic sector. He outlined that the Mutual Evaluation Process focuses on two critical dimensions: 🔹 1. Technical Compliance Assessment Mr. Chigaba noted that Zimbabwe has made significant progress since the last evaluation cycle — moving from a score of 20/40 to 37/40. With key reforms already implemented, including the PVO Amendment Act of 2025, the country anticipates further improvement, potentially reaching 39/40 in the upcoming review. This progress reflects strengthened legal and institutional frameworks aligning Zimbabwe with global AML/CFT/PF standards. 🔹 2. Effective Compliance Beyond laws and structures, the evaluation also examines how effectively systems work in practice — including risk understanding, enforcement, oversight, and cooperation across sectors. For CSOs, this means ensuring that compliance efforts do not undermine operational freedoms or civic space, but rather strengthen accountability and resilience. As we prepare for 2026, maintaining a balance between regulatory compliance and protection of civic space remains paramount. #DirectorsSummerRetreat #MutualEvaluationProcess #CivicSpaceMatters