Non-Governmental Organizations Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has called for positive adherence in the submission of Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs’) annual reports in a bid to foster accountability and transparency among them in the country.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) Monday in Lilongwe, Spokesperson for NGORA, Lucy Bandazi said resources obtained by NGOs belongs to Malawians as such they have to be accountable.
“Since 2020, NGORA has been producingAnnual Sector Reports summarizing the finances and activities of various organizations in a particular year which is shared with the public and government to show the contribution of the sector towards the development of the country. However the sad reality is that adherence from NGO’s in the submission of their annual reports still leaves a lot to be desired,” she said.
Bandazi emphasized that in 2021 the adherence rate was as low as 43 percent with submission from 307 NGOs only out of 715.
Chairperson of the Council for Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi (CONGOMA), KossamMunthali lamented on the inadequate information NGOs had on the exercise for the poor compliancy rate in the submission of annual reports in previous years.
“The 43 percent rate from 2021 compared to the previous rates is a step forward, because we used to have as low as 20 to 30 percent rate.
“We have had issues with some NGOs in terms of capacity to raise resources as some donors could not support the audit and some had no funds for almost a year and they didn’t know that even in such cases reporting their situation is still complying,” he said.
Munthali called for unity of purpose among all players and to be responsible when reporting with hopes of reaching a compliancy rate of at least 70 percent in 2023.
Meanwhile NGORA has set June 30, 2023 as the deadline for the submission of the 2022 NGOs’ annual reports.
Youth empowerment in action: Judith Msusa applauds success of Business Acceleration for Youth Project By Burnett Munthali, November The Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth, Judith Msusa, has expressed her satisfaction with the impact of the Business Acceleration for Youth (BAY) project, describing it as a transformative initiative for empowering Malawian youth economically. Msusa commended the project during a visit to some grant beneficiaries who have successfully turned their ventures into thriving enterprises. Speaking during her visit, Msusa lauded the program for equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to enhance their livelihoods. "The government is impressed with the youth who, through this initiative, have been able to increase their revenue streams. This not only enables them to live decent lives but also positions them as job creators for their peers," she said. Msusa emphasized the project's role in fostering a generation of self-reliant, innovative, and economically active young people. Adding to Msusa's sentiments, David Slane, Chief of Party for the project, expressed his own delight at the progress made. "It’s rewarding to see these young individuals demonstrating tangible successes as a result of this support. They are living proof of what is possible when young people are given the right opportunities and resources," said Slane. The three-year BAY project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is being implemented by the Alliance of Biodiversity International and the Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). Focused on the districts of Zomba, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Chikwawa, Machinga, and Mangochi, the project aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among youth by providing grants, mentorship, and technical assistance. During the visit, several beneficiaries shared their inspiring stories of transformation. One of them, a poultry farmer from Mangochi, recounted how the project’s financial and technical support helped her scale her business, enabling her to employ two additional workers. Another young entrepreneur in Zomba, specializing in agro-processing, highlighted how mentorship from the project helped him navigate market challenges and significantly increase his revenue. These testimonials reflect the project's profound impact on communities. Beyond financial gains, the BAY initiative is helping youth build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, all of which are critical for sustaining long-term economic growth. As Malawi grapples with high unemployment rates among the youth, the BAY project stands out as a beacon of hope. With continued support from USAID and partners, the initiative could serve as a model for youth empowerment not only in Malawi but across the region. Msusa’s visit underscores the government’s commitment to supporting programs that align with its broader vision of reducing poverty and unemployment. "The youth are the backbone of our nation," Msusa concluded. "Projects like BAY remind us of their untapped potential and the immense possibilities that emerge when we invest in them strategically." The success of the BAY project serves as a testament to the power of collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector in addressing pressing societal challenges.
