How to register an ngo in zambia

1. Identify your cause and mission: Determine the cause you want to support and develop a clear mission statement for your NGO. This will guide your company’s goals.
2. Reserve your NGO name to prevent others from using it. This reservation is valid for 60 days, and the process costs ZMW50.00.
3. Form a team: Assemble a board of directors or administrators, known as office bearers. You will need a minimum of five office bearers to register your NGO.
4. Prepare a constitution: Draft a constitution outlining your organization’s structure, rules, and regulations. The constitution must include specific sections such as name, address, objectives, office bearers, membership, and more.
5. Write an application letter: Address the letter to the Office of the Registrar and indicate the objectives of your organization. See How to Write Application Letter in Zambia
6. Get a recommendation letter: Obtain a recommendation letter from the line ministry under which your NGO will operate. Visit the local ministry office in the town where your NGO is based.
7. Submit your application: Compile all the necessary documents and submit them to the Department of the Registrar of NGOs. These documents include the application letter, registration forms, constitution, certified identification of office bearers, fingerprint certificates, clearance letters (if applicable), name reservation certificate, recommendation letter, and proof of payment of the application fee (ZMW1,008).
8. Obtain certification: Once your application is approved, you will receive a certificate with a registration number, which is usually issued within three months of submitting the required documents.
9. Get your organization’s finances and infrastructure set up by opening a bank account, putting in place a system for managing money, and developing a plan for running the organization.
10. Create a plan of action and a strategy for raising money: Make a plan outlining your nonprofit’s long-term vision and short-term objectives, as well as how you intend to raise money.
11. Create alliances: work together with other nonprofits, governmental entities, and local groups to pool your resources.
12. Get moving on initiatives and plans that will help you achieve your organization’s stated objectives.

In Zambia, you can start a nonprofit organization if you follow these steps and follow the rules for registration.

How do I register an association in Zambia?

Zambian associations are registered like NGOs. The Societies Act registers Zambian associations. Summary of association registration steps:

1. Choose a name for your association: Select an appropriate name that reflects the purpose and objectives of your association.
2. Reserve the name: Reserve your chosen name at the Registrar of Societies office to ensure no one else is using it and to prevent others from using it in the future. The name reservation is valid for 60 days.
3. Draft a constitution: Prepare a constitution for your association that outlines its structure, rules, and regulations. The constitution should include sections such as name, address, objectives, membership, office bearers, and more.
4. Form a committee: Assemble a committee or board of directors who will govern the association. You will need a minimum of five office bearers, including a chairperson, vice-chairperson, treasurer, and secretary.
5. Prepare the necessary documents: Compile the required documents for registration, including the application form, two copies of the constitution (signed by office bearers), and a list of office bearers with their contact details.
6. Submit the application: Submit the application and required documents to the Registrar of Societies, along with the applicable registration fees. The fees may vary, so it’s essential to check with the Registrar of Societies for the current fee structure.
7. Obtain the Certificate of Registration: If your application is approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration for your association. This process may take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of your application and the workload of the Registrar of Societies.

Once your association is registered, you can start conducting activities, programs, and projects in line with your objectives. Make sure to comply with any reporting requirements and adhere to the rules and regulations outlined in the Societies Act.