Govt steps in amid NGO funding gaps
DODOMA: THE government yesterday launched the National Committee tasked with coordinating the establishment of the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Basket Fund (NBF), aimed at supporting NGOs during periods of suspended donor funding.
Reading the Vice President’s speech during the annual NGOs forum held in Dodoma, Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima said the government expects the committee to execute its responsibilities with the highest level of professionalism.
The Vice-President said the committee must perform its duties by considering inclusivity and make sure all required processes are completed on time to meet intended objectives.
Dr Mpango also directed the ministry responsible for NGOs to work closely with stakeholders in implementing and reviewing the National Sustainability Strategy for NGOs whenever necessary.
He said the strategy serves as a national guide to help strengthen NGOs’ resilience by the 2026/27 financial year.
He further urged the ministry and stakeholders to innovate new funding sources that will enable small NGOs to grow and thrive.
“One of the key aspects of this strategy is the establishment of a joint basket fund for NGOs, which will allow them to access funding without stringent donor conditions,” he said.
Dr Mpango stressed that as the country works to improve the operating environment and enhance the contribution of NGOs over the next five years, the government is actively exploring new opportunities, among them, the establishment of a Joint Grant Fund.
He explained that the initiative aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4Rs philosophy: Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding.
Dr Mpango urged NGOs to operate with transparency and accountability to promote good governance and elevate the recognition of their role in national development.
“As we implement the necessary reforms, we must remain resilient in our efforts to achieve collective reconciliation, which is an essential step toward rebuilding our future and that of the generations to come,” he said.
The Vice-President also called on NGO leaders, members and staff to carry out their responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and patriotism in order to fulfil their core mandates while safeguarding the broader interests of the NGO sector and the nation as a whole.
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For his part, Chairperson of the National Council of NGOs (NaCoNGO), Mr Jasper Makala, said the launch of the financial compliance and engagement manual for non-state actors would help elevate the sector’s visibility and enhance recognition of its contribution to the national budget.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to continued collaboration with the ministry responsible for NGOs through the Office of the Registrar of NGOs as well as other government institutions, in accordance with existing laws, regulations and coordination framework.
