President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill into law, imposing stricter regulations on charities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Zimbabwe. The law aims to align Zimbabwe’s legal framework with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. It includes a broader definition of funds and assets, ensuring a wider scope of monitoring, and updates the definition of PVOs to cover high-risk entities.

The law also enhances the powers of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to support the PVO Registrar in monitoring compliance and identifying suspicious activities. Previously exempt trusts are now required to register as PVOs, increasing transparency and oversight. Organisations receiving foreign funding for charitable work must register, with a grace period allowed for compliance.

The new law grants authorities extensive powers to monitor and control PVO operations, including scrutinizing ownership structures, funding sources, and affiliations. However, human rights groups and international organisations have expressed concerns about potential restrictions on civil society and the impact on marginalized communities. The United Nations has also raised concerns about the law’s potential impact on human rights and civic engagement. Critics argue that the law could be used to suppress civil society and shrink civic space in Zimbabwe.

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