By Beatrice Bangula

Blantyre, October 16, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has applauded Non - Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the country for their contribution to national development and compliance to regulations governing the NGO sector.

The president was speaking on Wednesday during the commemoration of NGOs Day at Sanjika Mini Stadium in Blantyre under the theme: “Strengthening partnership and capacity in the NGO sector: Panacea for achieving Malawi 2063.”

Chakwera expressed gratitude that over the years there has been increased NGO accountability as well as compliance to various pieces of legislation governing the sector.

“I am pleased to hear that 498 NGOs have submitted their reports to Non-Governmental Organization Regulatory Authority (NGORA from 432 which did so last year which is a sign of growth and transparency in the localization agenda,” he said.

He, therefore, encouraged the NGOs to continue working in collaboration with government, saying both government and NGOs have one goal of serving people.

“As we look back to the progress registered last year, I am pleased to report the remarkable progress that has indeed been made today particularly in the area of NGOs compliance and accountability.

“Statics speak for themselves, in 2023 we had 77 NGOs registered under Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Authority (NGORA) and am glad that this year, the number has more than doubled to 148,” he added.

Chakwera said government established the NGO Fund which was launched in August this year to help in building the capacity of NGOs and a more responsive NGO sector.

However, the Malawian leader said government is committed to ensuring that it creates a viable environment for the civil society to operate in. 

Chief Executive Officer for NGORA, Edward Chileka Banda said in line with this year’s theme, NGOs are playing a pivotal role in ensuring that they support government.

"As seen during the pavilions, NGOs are investing in various sectors which are education, agriculture, health and many more. NGOs have now accepted that their role is to support government and making sure that together we transform Malawi," he said.

Board Chairperson for Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi (CONGOMA), George Jobe said NGOs are committed to align their programmes and work within the Malawi 2063 Agenda.

"CONGOMA coordinates the work of NGOs in the country and we commit to work with government and ready to comply with laws of Malawi including getting licensed through NGORA. 

“We commit to work as the representative of local NGOs and with Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to ensure that violence is condemned in all its forms especially against women aspirants in the 2025 general elections,” Jobe who is also Executive Director for Malawi Health Equity Network said.