Crackdown awaits ‘bad’ NGOs in Malawi

Over three hundred and thirty Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Malawi face potential fines, operational suspensions, and possible deregistration due to their failure to submit required reports to the NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA).

In a public announcement, NGORA stated that this action was taken in line with the NGO Reporting Regulations following a compliance assessment for the year.

The Authority cautioned that legally binding measures will be enforced against all NGOs that do not comply.NGORA indicated that 1,060 registered NGOs were obligated to submit reports as per Regulation 2(2).

However, only 730 organizations met this requirement, leaving 330 in default, which accounts for nearly 31% of all registered NGOs in the nation.

While the regulator did not specify the exact penalties, the NGO Act stipulates that sanctions for non-compliance may include financial fines, operational suspensions, and removal from the NGO register.

The list of non-compliant organizations includes those from various sectors such as health, governance, human rights, environment, faith, and development.

Notable NGOs identified include the Anglican Council in Malawi, Consumers Association of Malawi, Human Rights Defenders Coalition, Public Affairs Committee, Malawi Health Equity Network, Media Council of Malawi, and Lilongwe Wildlife Trust.