Honorable Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare said she is impressed with the work of NGOs in complementing government’s efforts in uplifting the lives of vulnerable Malawians. The Honorable Minister said this when she had an interface with what was dubbed the “top 20 NGOs” for complying with the requirements for annual report submission in 2018. During the interface which took place at Bingu International Conference Centre, the NGOs, both local and international shared their reports on their programme/projects’ achievements, challenges as well as making recommendations to the government.
Honorable Kaliati pointed out during the interface that report submission promotes transparency and accountability as it is the only way the government can know and understand what the NGOs are doing on the ground.
“You may be aware that the NGO Act requires all NGOs operating in the country to file annual reports to the NGO Board. It is impressing that while most NGOs do not comply with this requirement, the invited NGOs duly complied and submitted their audited annual financial statements and annual reports”. She said and added that the government under the leadership of Tonse Alliance is interested in the NGOs reports in order to help them follow and understand how NGOs utilize resources which they mobilize in the name of Malawians.
According to Voice Mhone, Chief Executive Officer for NGO Board, analysis of the reports from the top 20 NGOs indicated that their total expenditure for 2018 was K222 billion and each of the invited NGOs has an annual expenditure of above MK4 billion.
“This is a lot of money which if effectively and efficiently used, can transform the lives of Malawians.” He said.
The invited NGOs applauded the Honorable Minister for providing a platform for interfacing with them and expect similar meetings in future.
NGOs present during the meeting included World Vision International, Save the Children, Catholic Relief Services, Right to Care Malawi, Population Services International, ActionAid Malawi, United Purpose, Management Sciences for Health, Plan International Malawi, Banja La Mtsogolo, Oxfam, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Care International, Jhpiego Corporation, Christian Aid Malawi, Welthungerhilfe, Development Aid from people to people, Concern Worldwide, Clinton Health Initiative and Partners in Heath. Other NGOs also joined the meeting through zoom as not all NGOs could come due to Covid-19 restriction measures.
Currently, the NGO has on record, 766 registered NGOs out of which 222 are international and 544 are local NGOs.
The NGO Board is mandated to register and regulate the operations of NGOs in Malawi.