By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
NGO Regulatory Authority (NGORA) is set to establish an NGO fund worth K1 billion to support eligible NGOs in the country with capacity building.
The development follows a directive issued during the NGO Day last year by President Lazarus Chakwera to NGORA to institute a comprehensive capacity building program for the sector.
Speaking during the breakfast meeting with representatives from various NGOs on Tuesday in Blantyre, NGORA Chief Executive Officer, Edward Chileka-Banda said the regulatory authority is currently finalising necessary procedures and that upon the completion of the exercise, NGOs depending on their eligibility, will be invited to apply for the fund.
“The NGO fund has been sourced from government subvention and NGO fees and it aims to create an enabling environment for NGOs’ operations in Malawi. The fund will be used to build institutional capacity of NGOs that will include system strengthening and compliance to NGO Act and policy.
“Therefore, only those NGOs that are registered and have valid annual licenses will qualify for the fund,” said Chileka-Banda indicating that so far 463 NGOs have obtained valid licenses for the year 2024.
He urged all NGOs yet to renew their licenses to do so promptly.
According to Chileka-Banda, NGORA will collaborate with service providers including Malawi Revenue Authority, Immigration, Banks, district councils and the donor community to exclusively serve NGOs with valid licenses for the current year.
Commenting on the matter, Development Communications Trust, Programmes Manager, Bettie Chumbu commended NGORA for the interface meeting saying NGOs will do everything possible to comply with the Act and Policies set by the regulatory authority.
She also welcomed the NGO fund saying it has come at an opportune time as this will help support the NGOs within the sector with capacity building to among others improve service delivery.
Presidential advisor on NGOs, Martha Kwataine said government will continue to strengthen the cordial relationship with non-state actors in the country to better serve the Malawians.
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