PUBLISHED: APRIL 2025

This practical guide helps civil society organizations in Zimbabwe navigate recent changes to the Private Voluntary Organizations (PVO) Act, which governs all PVOs in Zimbabwe and provides rules on registration, internal governance, funding, and more. Amendments to the law came into effect in April 2025. 

ICNL prepared this guide to highlight key considerations for PVOs and other members of civil society. It describes eight actions PVOs can take to strengthen their resiliency to continue operating under the law:

1. Determine of the Act applies to your organization
2. Ensure that your organization is properly registered
3. Identify your organization’s beneficial owner or controller
4. Apply to amend or transfer your registration 
5. Review new rules governing the conduct of PVOs
6. Review and understand the government’s new enforcement powers
7. Review the government’s new anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) powers
8. Remember the rules for penalties for violations of the Act

The PVO Act, as amended, is considered to be generally restrictive of PVOs’ rights. Where relevant, the Practical Guide provides commentary on key areas requiring further advocacy to align Zimbabwe’s laws with international standards and best practices.