Raising the Bar: Malawi’s 2025 NGO Governance and Compliance Summit

The shores of Lake Malawi shimmered under the December sun as Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi became the stage for one of the most defining gatherings in Malawi’s civil society calendar. The 2025 NGO Governance and Compliance Leadership Summit, organized under the theme “Strengthening NGO Leadership for Compliance, Sustainability, and National Impact,”was no ordinary meeting. It was a moment of reckoning, a chance for NGOs to confront their governance challenges   and chart a new course toward accountability, sustainability, and national impact

Summit participants following the presenters with keen interest

Over the one and half days, 149 participants representing 94 NGOs filled the conference hall, their conversations weaving together stories of struggle, resilience, and hope. The atmosphere was charged with urgency: only 61% of registered NGOs had complied with reporting requirements, and fewer than 60% held valid licenses. The numbers told a sobering story, but the summit promised solutions.

The Opening That Set the Tone

The summit was officially opened by the Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Hon. Mary Navitcha, MP. Standing before the delegates, she painted a vivid picture: “An NGO without strong governance is like a canoe without a paddle it may float, but it cannot move forward.” Her metaphor, delivered against the backdrop of Lake Malawi itself, resonated deeply. It was a reminder that governance is not paperwork; it is the force that propels organizations toward impact.

Her words were echoed and reinforced by the presence of the Solicitor General PS for Justice Ms Getrude Hiwa, SC, the Principal Secretary in the OPC responsible for good Governance, and the Principal Secretary- Administration in the Ministry of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, all were hosted by the NGORA CEO. Their attendance underscored the summit’s national importance, signalling that the government was not just watching but walking alongside NGOs in this journey.

Voices of Wisdom

The summit’s intellectual depth came from seasoned voices. Dr. Clifford Kuyokwa, who spoke on effective board management and also challenged participants to rethink leadership ethics and succession planning, warned that without deliberate strategies, NGOs risked stagnation. Dr. Magolowondo spoke passionately about Governance structures and compliance, financial governance and transparency as well as managing governance risks in a changing operating environment he further urged NGOs to embrace community ownership and indigenous knowledge as the bedrock of sustainability. Together, their insights pushed the conversation beyond compliance into the realm of transformation.

Learning, Sharing, and Reimagining

The program unfolded like a tapestry of ideas. Plenary sessions and breakout workshops addressed a range of topics, including financial stewardship, foreign exchange compliance, legal obligations under the NGO Act, taxation, and duty exemptions. Regulators like the Malawi Revenue Authority, the Reserve Bank of Malawi, and the Financial Intelligence Authority joined hands with NGOs, creating a rare space where rules met reality.

There were sessions on resource mobilization, exploring innovative pathways such as social enterprise and impact investment. Dialogues on MW2063 alignment reminded participants that NGOs are not parallel actors but partners in Malawi’s national vision. And in the corridors, over coffee and lakeside walks, new alliances were born, government officials, donors, and NGO leaders finding common ground.

The Promise of Change

By the close of the summit, the mood had shifted from concern to commitment. Delegates left with clearer strategies: stronger boards, better compliance, improved resource mobilization, and deeper alignment with MW2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More importantly, there was renewed trust between regulators and implementers, a recognition that both sides must paddle the canoe together if Malawi is to move forward.

A Defining Moment

The 2025 NGO Summit was not just another conference. It was a story of awakening, told through figures that revealed the gaps, and personalities whose voices carried the weight of change. With 149 participants, 94 NGOs, and the presence of leaders like the Minister of Gender, Children, Disability, and Social Welfare, Hon. Mary Navitcha MP, Principal Secretaries for Justice, Gender, and OPC, including key speakers Dr. Clifford Kuyokwa, and Dr. Magolowondo, the summit became a landmark in Malawi’s civil society journey.

As the sun set over Lake Malawi, one thing was clear: the canoe had found its paddle. And with it, Malawi’s NGOs were ready to steer toward a future of credibility, transparency, and impact.

Corporate partners support the summit

The summit was fully supported through participants’ fees; however, we were honored to receive additional contributions from two esteemed corporate partners. NBS Bank generously provided K10 million, while Centenary Bank contributed K3 million. These commitments reflect their dedication to strengthening accountability and fostering collaboration with the NGO sector. NGORA extends its sincere gratitude to these valued partners for their unwavering support.

                                  NGORA CEO Dr Felix Lombe receives a dummy cheque from Centenary Bank officers