NGORA CEO, Edward Chileka-Banda and staff members
* We have built on previous gains and made tremendous strides in strengthening compliance.People are beginning to appreciate the need to operate legally
* Operating without a valid license constitutes non-compliance and is subject to penalties, NGOs must operate with a license. It’s not optional, it’s a legal requirement
By Fostina Mkandawire, MANA
Non-Governmental Organisation Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has reported a significant increase in compliance among NGOs operating in Malawi, following a strategic drive to improve registration, licensing, and operational alignment.
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At a retreat for NGORA employees yesterday in Salima NGORA Chief Executive Officer, Edward Chileka-Banda unwrapped that 1,208 NGOs have so far been registered from 2024 to 2025 — a notable rise from 982 registrations recorded in 2022 to 2023.
“We have built on previous gains and made tremendous strides in strengthening compliance,” he said. “People are beginning to appreciate the need to operate legally.”
As of this year, Chileka-Banda said NGORA has issued 335 operational licenses, which the authority now considers a critical indicator of NGO compliance.
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“I am emphasising that operating without a valid license constitutes non-compliance and is subject to penalties, NGOs must operate with a license. It’s not optional, it’s a legal requirement.”
Report submission has also been identified as a key compliance area and Chileka-Banda acknowledged gaps in this aspect and called for improved service delivery and stronger collaboration with district councils to ensure NGO activities align with local development plans.
The CEO highlighted increased government support as a reflection of growing confidence in NGORA’s regulatory efforts.
Government subventions to NGORA have grown from MK1.6 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year to MK4.5 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year — boosting its capacity to monitor and coordinate NGO activities effectively.
“Without adequate funding, we cannot function efficiently,” Chileka-Banda said. “We are managing an important sector. NGORA has positioned itself as both an enabler and an advocacy body for NGOs in Malawi.”
He dismissed the notion of NGOs and government being at odds, stressing that both are working towards a shared goal of national development: “We are not enemies — we are partners contributing to a better Malawi,” he emphasised.
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He also addressed ongoing challenges, such as unregistered NGOs, activity misalignment with district plans, and inconsistent reporting. NGORA continues to engage non-compliant NGOs and has warned of enforcement actions if no corrective measures are taken.
“The entire NGORA team has worked hard to achieve these successes,” he said. “We will continue to push for full compliance to ensure the sector remains accountable, transparent, and effective.”
NGORA has been conducting quarterly awareness campaigns and commemorates NGO Day annually to raise public consciousness on the importance of regulation in the sector.
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