THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT

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CHAPTER 56
THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATIOIN]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
part i
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
part ii
ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION OF
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS
3. Director for Non-Governmental Organisations Coordination.
4. Functions and duties of Director.
5. Power to investigate.
6. Register of NGOs.
7. Establishment of Board.
8. Functions of Board.
9. Sources of fund of Board.
10. De-registration of Non-Governmental Organisation.
11. Annual estimates.
12. Books of accounts.
part iii
PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION OF
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS
13. Requirement to register.
14. Application for registration.
15. Application to be referred to Board.
16. Refusal of registration.
17. Appeals.
18. Review by Board or appeal to Minister.
19. Certificate of Registration.
20. Effect of registration.
21. Permits.
22. Suspension or cancelation of certificate.
23. Procedure for suspension or cancellation.

of Registration.
20. Effect of registration.
21. Permits.
22. Suspension or cancelation of certificate.
23. Procedure for suspension or cancellation.

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742
part iv
LEVELS OF REGISTRATION
24. Appointment of public officers.
25. Registration of NGOs at various levels.
26. Board may require proof of existence.
part v
ACCOUNTABILITY AND SELF REGULATION OF
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS
27. Establishment of Council.
28. Annual meeting of Council.
29. Code of conduct.
30. Duties of Board regarding code of conduct.
31. Activities and financial reports.
32. Governing documents.
33. General conduct.
34. Fund raising activities.
35. Notification of change of particulars of Non-Governmental Organisation.
36. Inspection of documents.
part vi
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
37. Offences and penalties.
38. Liability of office bearers of NGO.
part vii
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
39. Publication of Non-Governmental Organisations.
40. Power of Minister to make regulations.
SCHEDULE

arers of NGO.
part vii
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
39. Publication of Non-Governmental Organisations.
40. Power of Minister to make regulations.
SCHEDULE

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PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Non-Governmental
Organisations Act. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-
“Board” means the Board established under section 7;
“certificate” means the certificate of registration or a
certificate of compliance issued under this Act;
“Council” means a National Council for Non-Governmental
Organisations established under section 27;
“Director” means a Director for Non-Governmental Organisations
Coordination appointed under section 3(l);
“International Non-Governmental Organisation” means
a Non-Governmental Organisation established outside
Mainland Tanzania;
“National Non-Govermental Organisation” means a Non-
Governmental Organisation establishmed in accordance
with the provisions of this Act and whose scope of
operation extends to more than two regions;
Short title
Interpretation
Acts Nos. 11 of 2005 s. 5
9 of 2019 s.

rovisions of this Act and whose scope of
operation extends to more than two regions;
Short title
Interpretation
Acts Nos. 11 of 2005 s. 5
9 of 2019 s.

29
CHAPTER 56
THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT
An Act to provide for registration of Non-Governmental Organisations
with a view to coordinate and regulate activities of Non-Governmental
Organisations and to provide for related matters. [1st January 2004]
[GN. No. 354 of 2004]
Acts Nos. 24 of 2002
11 of 2005
9 of 2019

Non-Governmental
Organisations and to provide for related matters. [1st January 2004]
[GN. No. 354 of 2004]
Acts Nos. 24 of 2002
11 of 2005
9 of 2019

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rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E.

2023]
744
“Non-Governmental Organisation” also known by its
acronym “NGO” and which includes Community Based
Organisation (CBO) means a voluntary grouping of
individuals or organisations which is non-partisan or
non-profit sharing established and operates for the benefit
or welfare of the community or public, organised at the
local, national or international levels for the purpose of
enhancing or promoting economic, environmental, social
or cultural development or protecting environment, good
governance, law and order, human rights and lobbying or
advocating on such issues; but does not include-
(a) a company formed and registered under the Companies
Act;
(b) a trust formed and registered under the Trustees’
Incorporation Act;
(c) a trade union formed and registered under the
Employment and Labour Relations Act;
(d) a religious or faith propagating organisation;
(e) a cooperative society formed and registered under the
Cooperative Societies Act;
(f) an agricultural association formed and registered
under any written law other than this Act;
(g) a society formed and registered under the Societies Act;
(h) a political party formed and registered under the
Political Parties Act;
(i) a community microfinance group (VICOBA) registered
under the Microfinance Act;
(j) a sports association formed and registered under the
National Sports Council of Tanzania Act; and
(k) any organisation which the Minister may, by order
published in the Gazette, declare not to be a Non-
Governmental Organisation for the purpose of this Act;
“non-partisan” for purposes of the Act, means not seeking
political power or campaigning for any political party;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for Non-Governmental
Organisations;
Cap.

not seeking
political power or campaigning for any political party;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for Non-Governmental
Organisations;
Cap.

212
Cap. 318
Cap. 366
Cap. 211
Cap. 337
Cap. 258
Cap. 407
Cap. 49

212
Cap. 318
Cap. 366
Cap. 211
Cap. 337
Cap. 258
Cap. 407
Cap. 49

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.745
THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
“public interest” includes all forms of activities aimed at
providing for and improving the standard of living or
eradication of poverty of a given group of people or the
public at large;
“register” means the register of Non-Governmental
Organisations; and
“public officer” means a public officer appointed pursuant to
the provisions of section 24(1). PART II
ADMINISTRATION AND COORDINATION OF
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS
3.–(1) There shall be appointed by the President a public officer
to be the Director for Non-Governmental Organisations
Coordination. (2) The Director for Non-Governmental Organisations
Coordination shall be the Registrar of Non-Governmental
Organisations and a link between the Government and Non-
Government Organisations.

ganisations
Coordination shall be the Registrar of Non-Governmental
Organisations and a link between the Government and Non-
Government Organisations.

4.–(1) Functions and duties of the Director shall include to-
(a) advise on policy and other matters regarding Non-
Governmental Organisations;
(b) ensure proper implementation of this Act;
(c) ensure that operations of Non-Governmental
Organisations are available for the Government and
the public for consumption;
(d) encourage co-operation with sector ministries in
matters relating to Non-Governmental Organisations;
(e) register Non-Governmental Organisations;
(f) keep and maintain register of Non-Governmental
Organisations;
(g) keep records and reports regarding Non-Governmental
Organisations;
(h) appoint public officers under this Act;
Director for Non-
Governmental
Organisations
Coordination
Functions and
duties of Director
Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 30

int public officers under this Act;
Director for Non-
Governmental
Organisations
Coordination
Functions and
duties of Director
Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 30

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746
(i) suspend the operation of any Non-Governmental
Organisation which violates the provisions of this Act
pending determination of the Board;
(j) conduct monitoring and evaluation of Non-Governmental
Organisations activities on quarterly basis and report
to the Board; and
(k) perform such other duties as may be assigned to him
by the Board. (2) The Director shall be the Secretary to the Board. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(i), the Registrar shall,
before suspending the operations of a Non-Governmental
Organisation, give such Organisation, a notice of thirty days to
show cause as to why its operations should not be suspended,
and report to the Board accordingly. (4) The Minister may issue guidelines which are necessary
for monitoring and evaluating the operations of the Non-
Governmental Organisations. 5.–(1) The Registrar may, in implementing the duties under
section 4 and in collaboration with law enforcement organs,
investigate any matter as required.

1) The Registrar may, in implementing the duties under
section 4 and in collaboration with law enforcement organs,
investigate any matter as required.

(2) The Registrar may require any law enforcement organ
or public entity to provide such facilities and services of its
employees as may be deemed necessary to assist the Registrar
in performing the functions under this Act. (3) It shall be the duty of every person, law enforcement
organ or public entity to afford the Registrar the co-operation
and assistance necessary to enable the performance of his
functions under this Act or any other written laws. [s. 4A]
6.–(1) There shall be a register of Non-Governmental
Organisations, wherein shall be entered all matters relating to
Non-Governmental Organisations provided for by this Act. (2) Each Non-Governmental Organisation shall be identified
by a certificate of registration issued to it by the Registrar. [s. 5]
Power to
investigate
Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 31
Register of NGOs

all be identified
by a certificate of registration issued to it by the Registrar. [s. 5]
Power to
investigate
Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 31
Register of NGOs

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.747
THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
7.–(1) There shall be established Board to be known as the
Non-Governmental Organisations Coordination Board. (2) The provision of the Schedule to this Act shall have
effect as to the composition, tenure of office, proceedings at
meetings of the Board and other matters relating to the Board. [s.

this Act shall have
effect as to the composition, tenure of office, proceedings at
meetings of the Board and other matters relating to the Board. [s.

6]
8.–(1) The functions of the Board shall include to-
(a) approve and coordinate registration of Non-Governmental
Organisations;
(b) facilitate the implementation of the national Non-
Governmental Organisations policy;
(c) facilitate and coordinate activities of Non-Governmental
Organisations;
(d) approve application for registration or certificate of
compliance;
(e) direct suspension or cancellation of any Non-
Governmental Organisation;
(f) examine the annual reports of Non-Governmental
Organisations;
(g) advise the Government on the activities of Non-
Governmental Organisations;
(h) review the register of Non-Governmental Organisations;
(i) provide policy guidelines to Non-Governmental
Organisations for harmonizing their activities in the
light of the national development plan;
(j) receive, discuss and approve regular reports of the
Council and advice on strategies for efficient planning
and co-ordination of activities of Non-Governmental
Organisations;
(k) facilitate information sharing and providing guidelines for
networking between Non-Governmental Organisations
and the Government;
(l) investigate and to inquire into any matter in order to
ensure adherence with the constitution of each of such
Non-Governmental Organisation; and
Establishment of
Board
Functions of
Board

matter in order to
ensure adherence with the constitution of each of such
Non-Governmental Organisation; and
Establishment of
Board
Functions of
Board

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
748
(m) perform such other functions as may be directed by the
Minister. (2) The Board shall, for the purpose of efficient performance
of its functions-
(a) appoint any number of officers as may be required; and
(b) delegate to the Director the exercise of the powers or
the performance of any of its functions. (3) In performing its functions under this Act, the Board
shall maintain as far as practicable, a system of consultation,
coordination and co-operation with Ministries, Government
institutions or any other public or private bodies established
under any written law, having functions similar to those
which are performed by any given Non-Governmental
Organisation. [s. 7]
9.–(1) The funds of the Board shall consist of-
(a) any sums as may be appropriated by the Parliament;
(b) funds or assets which may vest in or accrue to the
Board from other sources by way of fees, grants or in
any other way; and
(c) any sums which the Board may borrow for its own
purpose.

or accrue to the
Board from other sources by way of fees, grants or in
any other way; and
(c) any sums which the Board may borrow for its own
purpose.

(2) The Board may-
(a) invest any of its funds in securities in which the trustees
may, by law deal in any trust fund or in any other
securities, which the Board may determine; and
(b) deposit with a bank any money not immediately
required for the use by the Board. [s. 8]
10.–(1) An Organisation registered under this Act, and which
does not fit to be a Non-Governmental Organisation by virtue
of section 2 shall, after expiration of two months from the date
of coming into operation of this section, be deemed to have
been de-registered. Sources of fund of
Board
De-registration
of Non-
Governmental
Organisation
Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 32

this section, be deemed to have
been de-registered. Sources of fund of
Board
De-registration
of Non-
Governmental
Organisation
Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 32

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THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), the
Minister may, upon application, extend the time within which
an organisation has to shift to its appropriate registry. (3) The Minister shall, when extending time applied for
under subsection (2), transmit the information for such
extension to the Minister under whom the registry in which
the organisation required to register belongs. [s. 8A]
11.–(1) The Board shall, before the commencement of a
financial year, cause to be prepared, estimates of the revenue
and expenditure for that year. (2) The annual estimates shall make provision for all
estimated expenditure of the Board for a financial year
concerned, and the Board shall in particular, approve recurrent
and development expenditure. (3) The annual estimates shall be submitted to the Minister
who shall cause them to be laid before the National Assembly
within three months from the date of their submission to him.

e submitted to the Minister
who shall cause them to be laid before the National Assembly
within three months from the date of their submission to him.

(4) Expenditure shall not be incurred for the purpose of the
Board except in accordance with the annual estimates. [s. 9]
12.–(1) The Board shall keep proper books of accounts. (2) Within three months from the end of each financial year,
the Board shall submit to the Controller and Auditor-General
accounts of the Board together with-
(a) a statement of financial activities and income and
expenditure during that financial year; and
(b) a statement of assets and liabilities of the Board existing
at the end of such financial year. (3) The accounts of the Board shall be audited by the
Controller and Auditor-General. [s. 10]
Annual estimates
Books of accounts

such financial year. (3) The accounts of the Board shall be audited by the
Controller and Auditor-General. [s. 10]
Annual estimates
Books of accounts

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750
PART III
PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION OF
NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS
13.–(1) Each Non-Governmental Organisation shall be required
to register with the Registrar pursuant to the provisions of this
Act. (2) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette,
prescribe interests and advantages available to registered Non-
Governmental Organisations. [s. 11]
14.–(1) A group of persons who wish to apply for registration of
a Non- Governmental Organisation shall make application in
the prescribed form to the Registrar.

roup of persons who wish to apply for registration of
a Non- Governmental Organisation shall make application in
the prescribed form to the Registrar.

(2) An application for registration shall be submitted by
one or more persons, being founder members, which shall be
accompanied by-
(a) a copy of the constitution of the Non-Governmental
Organisation;
(b) minutes containing full names and signature of founder
members;
(c) personal particulars of office bearer;
(d) address and physical location of the head office of the
Non-Governmental Organisation;
(e) an application fee; and
(f) any other particulars or information as may be required
by the Registrar. (3) In case of an International Non-Governmental
Organisation, the application for registration shall be submitted
by three or more persons, being the founder members and two
of whom shall be residents of Tanzania. (4) Application for registration shall be accompanied by-
(a) a certificate of incorporation;
(b) copy of constitution of the Non-Governmental
Organisation;
Requirement to
register
Acts Nos. 11 of 2005 s. 6
9 of 2019 s. 33
Application for
registration
Act No. 11 of 2005 s. 7

Non-Governmental
Organisation;
Requirement to
register
Acts Nos. 11 of 2005 s. 6
9 of 2019 s. 33
Application for
registration
Act No. 11 of 2005 s. 7

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.751
THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
(c) minutes containing full names and particulars of
founder members;
(d) personal particulars of office bearers;
(e) an application fees;
(f) address and physical location of the head office of the
Non-Governmental Organisation; and
(g) any other particulars or information as may be required
by the Registrar. [s. 12]
15.–(1) The Registrar shall within one month after receiving
an pplication refer the application together with his
recommendations to the Board for consideration. (2) The Board shall within a period of two months after
receiving the application and recommendations consider and
make determination of the matter. (3) The Board may, in determining the matter-
(a) approve and direct the Registrar to register the Non-
Governmental Organisation; or
(b) refuse to approve the application and direct the Registrar
to inform the applicant or applicants accordingly. [s.

n-
Governmental Organisation; or
(b) refuse to approve the application and direct the Registrar
to inform the applicant or applicants accordingly. [s.

13]
16.–(1) The Board may refuse to approve application for
registration of a Non-Governmental Organisation where it is
satisfied that-
(a) the activities of a Non-Governmental Organisation are
not for public interest or are contrary to any written
law;
(b) the applicant has given false or misleading information
in any material particular; or
(c) on the recommendation of the Council, the Non-
Governmental Organisation should not be registered. (2) Where the Board has refused registration of a Non-
Governmental Organisation, it shall, within twenty-one days,
notify the applicant of the reasons for the refusal. [s. 14]
Application to be
referred to Board
Refusal of
registration

hall, within twenty-one days,
notify the applicant of the reasons for the refusal. [s. 14]
Application to be
referred to Board
Refusal of
registration

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752
17. An applicant who is not satisfied with the decision of the
Board may appeal to the Minister. [s. 15]
18.–(1) Where the applicant is not satisfied with the decision
of the Board he may apply to the Board for review of its earlier
decision. (2) Where the applicant does not wish to apply to the Board
for review, he may appeal to the Minister against the decision
of the Board. (3) On receipt of the appeal, the Minister shall, within two
months from the date of receiving the appeal consider and
make determination of the appeal. (4) In determining the appeal the Minister may-
(a) uphold, quash or vary the decision of the Board;
(b) require the Board to revise or review its decision; or
(c) require the Board to inquire into specific information
from the appellant and make further consideration of
the application. [s. 16]
19.–(1) The Registrar shall upon registration of a Non-
Governmental Organisation issue a certificate of registration.

ion of
the application. [s. 16]
19.–(1) The Registrar shall upon registration of a Non-
Governmental Organisation issue a certificate of registration.

(2) The certificate of registration shall contain-
(a) the name and address of the Non-Governmental
Organisation;
(b) the area of operation of the Non-Governmental
Organisation; and
(c) such terms and conditions in respect of which a
certificate is issued. (3) A certificate of registration issued under this section
shall be subject to renewal after a period of ten years. (4) An application for renewal of certificate of registration
shall be made six months before the expiry date of its
registration. (5) The Board shall renew a certificate of registration upon
being satisfied that the organisation has complied with the
Appeals
Review by Board
or appeal to
Minister
Certificate of
Registration
Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 34

atisfied that the organisation has complied with the
Appeals
Review by Board
or appeal to
Minister
Certificate of
Registration
Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 34

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.753
THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
requirements of registration under this Act and any other
written laws. (6) Notwithstanding subsection (5), the Board shall, in
deciding whether to renew or refuse renewal of certificate of
registration, adhere to the conditions stated under section 16. (7) The Minister may make regulations for better carrying
out the provisions of this section. [s. 17]
20.–(1) A certificate of registration shall be a conclusive
evidence of the authority to operate as specified in the
constitution or in the certificate of registration. (2) A registered Non-Governmental Organisation shall,
by virtue of registration under this Act, be a body corporate
capable in its name of-
(a) suing and be sued;
(b) acquiring, purchasing or otherwise disposing of any
property movable or immovable;
(c) entering into contract; and
(d) doing or performing all acts which can be done by a
body corporate and which are necessary for the proper
performance of its duties and functions. [s. 18]
21.

performing all acts which can be done by a
body corporate and which are necessary for the proper
performance of its duties and functions. [s. 18]
21.

Where the Board has approved the registration of a Non-
Governmental Organisation whose employees are not citizens of
the United Republic it shall make recommendation to the Civil
Service Department which shall further forward its opinion to
Director of Immigration Services for the issuance of working
permit in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Act. [s. 19]
22.–(1) Subject to section 23, the Board may suspend or cancel
a certificate of registration where it is satisfied that the-
(a) terms or conditions prescribed in the certificate have
been violated;
(b) Non-Governmental Organisation has ceased to exist;
Effect of
registration
Act No. 11 of 2005 s. 8
Permits
Cap. 54
Suspension or
cancelation of
certificate

Governmental Organisation has ceased to exist;
Effect of
registration
Act No. 11 of 2005 s. 8
Permits
Cap. 54
Suspension or
cancelation of
certificate

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754
(c) Non-Governmental Organisation operates in variance
to its constitution, or
(d) Council has submitted, to the satisfaction of the Board,
recommendation for its suspension or cancellation. (2) Where the certificate of registration has been
suspended or cancelled the Board shall direct the registrar to-
(a) notify the relevant Non-Governmental Organisation;
(b) order such Non-Governmental Organisation to stop its
operations; or
(c) remove the name of such Non-Governmental
Organisation from the register. [s. 20]
23.–(1) Where the holder of a certificate is in default of the
terms and conditions in respect of which a certificate was
issued or is in violation of section 22, the Registrar may serve
on the holder a default notice in writing specifying the nature
of the default. (2) Upon receipt of the default notice, the holder shall make
representation in writing to the registrar regarding remedy or
rectification of the default.

Upon receipt of the default notice, the holder shall make
representation in writing to the registrar regarding remedy or
rectification of the default.

(3) Where the holder has failed to remedy or rectify the
default within time specified in the default notice or has
not made a representation satisfactory to the Registrar, the
Registrar shall submit to the Board recommendation for
suspension or cancellation of a certificate. (4) Where the Board is satisfied that a holder of a certificate
is in default as provided for in subsection (1), it shall direct the
Registrar to suspend or cancel the certificate. (5) A holder whose certificate has been suspended or
cancelled may apply to the Board for review of the decision to
suspend or cancel the certificate where he is dissatisfied by the
reasons for such suspension or cancellation. (6) A holder of a certificate who is dissatisfied by the
decision of the Board to suspend or cancel a certificate may
appeal to the Minister. [s. 21]
Procedure for
suspension or
cancellation

satisfied by the
decision of the Board to suspend or cancel a certificate may
appeal to the Minister. [s. 21]
Procedure for
suspension or
cancellation

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THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
PART IV
LEVELS OF REGISTRATION
24.–(1) The registrar shall, for the purpose of facilitating
registration at the regional and district levels, appoint for each
region or each district, a public officer from amongst public
officers within the region or district. (2) Subject to subsection (3) of section 25, a public officer
appointed under subsection (1) shall on behalf of the Registrar-
(a) register Non-Governmental Organisations within the
region or district for which he is appointed; and
(b) issue certificates of registration or as the case may be,
certificates of compliance. [s. 22]
25.–(1) Where a Non-Governmental Organisation is intended
to operate within a certain district, the application for its
registration shall only be submitted to the public officer for
that district. (2) Where a Non-Governmental Organisation is intended to
operate in the whole region the application for its registration
shall be submitted to the public officer appointed for the region.

ion is intended to
operate in the whole region the application for its registration
shall be submitted to the public officer appointed for the region.

(3) A Non- Governmental Organisation whose scope of
operation covers more than one region and an International
Non-Governmental Organisation shall be registrable at the
national level by the Registrar. (4) Where the public officer has registered a Non-
Governmental Organisation, he shall make a report to that
effect and submit it to the Registrar. (5) The Minister shall by regulations prescribe the procedure
to be applied by public officers in the registration of Non-
Governmental Organisations. [s. 23]
26.–(1) Where, without any reasonable cause a Non-
Governmental Organisation fails to file annual report for two
consecutive years, it shall be lawful for the Board to imply that
Appointment of
public officers
Registration of
NGOs at various
levels
Board may
require proof of
existence
Act No. 11 of 2005 s. 9

Board to imply that
Appointment of
public officers
Registration of
NGOs at various
levels
Board may
require proof of
existence
Act No. 11 of 2005 s. 9

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
756
such Non-Governmental Organisation has ceased to exist, and
may issue a notice in writing to the office bearers of that Non-
Governmental Organisation requiring them to submit to the
Board within a period of sixty days, proof of its existence. (2) Where the Non-Governmental Organisation fails to
submit to the Board Proof of its existence, the Board may
direct the Registrar to cancel the certificate of its registration
and remove its name from the register. [s. 24]
PART V
ACCOUNTABILITY AND SELF REGULATION
OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS
27.–(1) There shall be established an umbrella organisation
for Non- Governmental Organisations to be known as the
National Council for Non-Governmental Organisations. (2) The Council shall be a collective forum of Non-
Governmental Organisations for purposes of co-ordination
and networking of all Non- Governmental Organisations
operating in Mainland Tanzania.

of Non-
Governmental Organisations for purposes of co-ordination
and networking of all Non- Governmental Organisations
operating in Mainland Tanzania.

(3) The Council shall be composed of thirty members as
may be appointed by Non-Governmental Organisations to
represent their respective interests. (4) A person, body of persons or a Non-Governmental
Organisation shall not after the establishment of the Council,
perform or claim to perform anything which the Council is
empowered or required to do under this Act. [s. 25]
28.–(1) The Council shall convene meetings annually for
the purpose of co-ordination and networking of all Non-
Governmental Organisations. (2) The Council shall at its first annual meeting appoint the
office bearers and promulgate rules of procedure for efficient
administration and co-ordination of the activities of Non-
Governmental Organisations. Establishment of
Council
Annual meeting
of Council

or efficient
administration and co-ordination of the activities of Non-
Governmental Organisations. Establishment of
Council
Annual meeting
of Council

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.757
THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
(3) The office bearers of the Council shall hold office for a
period of three years, and may be eligible for reappointment
for only another one term. [s. 26]
29.–(1) The Council shall develop and cause to be adopted
a code of conduct and such other regulations which shall
facilitate self-regulation of Non-Governmental Organisations. (2) The code of conduct shall be adopted by a resolution at
an annual meeting of the Council. [s. 27]
30.–(1) The Board shall have the duty to ensure that the code
of conduct, regulations and rules developed by the Council
are consistent with the national policy for Non-Governmental
Organisations and the laws of the land. (2) The Board shall cause the code of conduct and
regulations or rules developed by the Council to be published
in the Gazette. [s. 28]
31.

the land. (2) The Board shall cause the code of conduct and
regulations or rules developed by the Council to be published
in the Gazette. [s. 28]
31.

Each Non-Governmental Organisation shall for every
calendar year-
(a) prepare a report of its activities which shall be made
available to the public, the Council, the Board and
other stake holders;
(b) prepare an annual audited report and submit copies
thereof to the Council and the Board and shall be made
available to the public. [s. 29]
32.–(1) The constitution and other documents submitted
by founder members to the Registrar at the time of making
application for registration or any subsequent constitution
and documents submitted to the Registrar shall be the
governing documents in respect of such Non-Governmental
Organisation. Code of conduct
Duties of Board
regarding code of
conduct
Activities and
financial reports
Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 35
Governing
documents

l
Organisation. Code of conduct
Duties of Board
regarding code of
conduct
Activities and
financial reports
Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 35
Governing
documents

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
758
(2) Non-Governmental Organisation shall not operate or
perform its functions contrary to its governing documents. [s. 30]
33. Each Non-Governmental Organisation shall have the duty-
(a) to respect the laws governing its operations;
(b) to respect the culture and traditions of the people and
communities in which it operates unless such culture
and traditions are contrary to any other written law;
(c) to adhere to the principles of financial transparency
and accountability as prescribed under other written
laws; and
(d) in the case of an International Non-Governmental
Organisation to-
(i) foster and promote the capacities and abilities of
other Non-Governmental Organisations;
(ii) participate in activities of the Council; and
(iii) refrain from doing any act which is likely to cause
misunderstanding among Non-Governmental
Organisations. [s. 31]
34. Non-Governmental Organisation registered under this Act
shall be entitled to engage in legally acceptable fund raising
activities. [s.

ns. [s. 31]
34. Non-Governmental Organisation registered under this Act
shall be entitled to engage in legally acceptable fund raising
activities. [s.

32]
35.–(1) Any change in the constitution, name or names of
office bearers by a Non-Governmental Organisation shall be
notified to the Registrar in writing. (2) A notice to the Registrar shall be accompanied by-
(a) a copy of resolution certified by office bearers stating
that the resolution complies with its governing
documents; and
(b) a copy of the certificate of registration. (3) The Registrar shall after receiving notification-
General conduct
Acts Nos. 11 of 2005 s. 10
9 of 2019 s. 36
Fund raising
activities
Notification
of change of
particulars
of Non-
Governmental
Organisation

ral conduct
Acts Nos. 11 of 2005 s. 10
9 of 2019 s. 36
Fund raising
activities
Notification
of change of
particulars
of Non-
Governmental
Organisation

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.759
THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
(a) enter into the register all changes as submitted in the
notification;
(b) where necessary, issue a new certificate of registration;
and
(c) remove from the register particulars of the Non-
Governmental Organisation as may be necessary. (4) Where the Registrar has made changes in the register in
respect of the particulars of a Non-Governmental Organisation,
he shall inform the Board. [s. 33]
36.–(1) Members of the public shall have right of access
to and inspect any documents of any Non-Governmental
Organisation at the office of the Registrar. (2) The Minister shall prescribe the circumstances and the
manner in which the public shall exercise the right of access to
and inspect such documents. [s.

he Minister shall prescribe the circumstances and the
manner in which the public shall exercise the right of access to
and inspect such documents. [s.

34]
PART VI
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
37.–(1) A person who-
(a) forges or, utters any document for purposes of
procuring registration;
(b) makes false statements in respect of an application for
registration;
(c) conducts fund raising activities contrary to this Act;
(d) operates a Non-Governmental Organisation without
obtaining registration under this Act; or
(e) violates the code of conduct or contravene any
regulation or rules made under this Act,
commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a
fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both. Inspection of
documents
Offences and
penalties

eeding five hundred thousand shillings or to
imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both. Inspection of
documents
Offences and
penalties

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
760
(2) A person convicted of an offence under this section shall
be disqualified from holding office in any Non-Governmental
Organisation operating in Mainland Tanzania for a period not
exceeding five years. (3) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person who
contravenes the provisions of this Act may, in lieu of the
institution of the criminal charges against him pursuant to this
Act, be proceeded against under the provisions of the Penal
Code. [s. 35]
38.–(1) For purposes of section 37, where an offence has
been committed under this Act by a Non-Governmental
Organisation, any of the office bearers of such Non-
Governmental Organisation shall be liable to be proceeded
against and be punished accordingly, unless any of such office
bearer proves to the satisfaction of the court that he had no
knowledge and could not, by the exercise of reasonable diligence,
have had knowledge, of the commission of the offence.

on of the court that he had no
knowledge and could not, by the exercise of reasonable diligence,
have had knowledge, of the commission of the offence.

(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), where a Non-
Governmental Organisation and or any of its office bearer has
committed an offence, the court may order that such Non-
Governmental Organisation and or any of its office bearer to
pay a fine not exceeding fifty thousand shillings for every day
during which the commission of the offence continues. [s. 36]
PART VII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
39. The Registrar shall publish annually in newspapers widely
circulating in Mainland Tanzania the names of all Non-
Governmental Organisations-
(a) which have been registered;
(b) whose names have been cancelled; and
(c) which have been de-registered. [s. 37]
Cap. 16
Liability of office
bearers of NGO
Publication
of Non-
Governmental
Organisations

en cancelled; and
(c) which have been de-registered. [s. 37]
Cap. 16
Liability of office
bearers of NGO
Publication
of Non-
Governmental
Organisations

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.761
THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
40.–(1) The Minister may, on consultation with the Board
make regulations for the better carrying out of the provisions
of this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) the
Minister may make regulations prescribing-
(a) various forms to be used in this Act;
(b) fees payable under this Act;
(c) the format of the reports of activities to be submitted
by the Non-Governmental Organisation; and
(d) any matter which needs to be prescribed under this
Act. (3) Regulations made by the Minister shall be published in
the Gazette. [s.

anisation; and
(d) any matter which needs to be prescribed under this
Act. (3) Regulations made by the Minister shall be published in
the Gazette. [s.

38]
SCHEDULE
(Made under section 7(2))
APPOINTMENT, COMPOSITION AND
PROCEDURE OF THE BOARD
1.–(1) The Board shall consist of-
(a) a Chairperson who shall be appointed by the President upon
recommendation of the Minister;
(b) four members appointed by the Minister on the
recommendation of the Council representing the diversified
areas of Non-Governmental Organisations’ interest in the
Board; and
(c) five members appointed by the Minister by virtue of their
knowledge or experience in development and welfare
management representing the Government. (2) The Board may co-opt such number of persons to represent any
interest as the Board may determine. 2. The members shall elect one amongst their number to be Vice-
Chairperson of the Board, and any member elected as Vice-Chairperson,
may subject to his continuing to be a member, hold office for a term of
three years from the date of his election. 3.–(1) The members of the Board shall hold office for a period of three
years and shall be eligible for reappointment for a further period of
three years. Power of
Minister to make
regulations
Composition of
Board
Vice-Chairperson
Tenure of office of
members
Act No. 11 of 2005 s. 11

eriod of
three years. Power of
Minister to make
regulations
Composition of
Board
Vice-Chairperson
Tenure of office of
members
Act No. 11 of 2005 s. 11

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762
(2) A member of the Board may at any time resign his office by
giving notice in writing addressed to the Minister, and from the date
specified in the notice or, where no date is so specified, from the date of
the receipt of the notice by the Minister, he shall cease to be a member. (3) In the case of a member who is a member by virtue of his holding
some other office, he shall cease to be a member upon his ceasing to
hold that office. (4) A member of the Board shall cease to hold office upon-
(a) death;
(b) conviction for criminal offence and being sentenced to
imprisonment for a period of not less than one year; or
(c) being adjudged to be of unsound mind. 4. Where a member of the Board who is a member by virtue of his
holding some other office is unable for any reason to attend any meeting
of the Board, he may nominate other person from his organisation to
attend the meeting in his place. 5.

is unable for any reason to attend any meeting
of the Board, he may nominate other person from his organisation to
attend the meeting in his place. 5.

Where any member ceases to be a member for any reason before the
expiration of his term of office, the appointing authority may appoint
another person in his place and the person so appointed shall hold
office for the remainder of the term of office of his predecessor. 6.–(1) The Board shall ordinarily meet for the transaction of its business
at the time and at the place determined by it, but shall meet at least once
in every three months. (2) The Chairperson or in his absence the Vice-Chairperson, shall
preside at every meeting of the Board and in the absence of both the
Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson the members present shall
appoint one of their number to preside over the meeting. (3) The Chairperson or in his absence the Vice-Chairperson, may at
any time call special meeting of the Board upon a written request by a
majority of the members in office. (4) The Chairperson, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairperson, may
invite any person who is not a member to participate in the deliberations
at any meeting of the Board, but any person so invited shall not be
entitled to vote. 7.

erson who is not a member to participate in the deliberations
at any meeting of the Board, but any person so invited shall not be
entitled to vote. 7.

The Quorum at any meeting of the Board shall be half of the members
and at least two members from Non-Governmental Organisations. 8.–(1) Matters proposed at a meeting of the Board shall be decided by
a majority of the votes of the members present and voting and in the
event of any equality of votes of the person presiding shall have a second
casting vote in addition to his original or deliberative Board vote. (2) A decision may be made by the Board without a meeting by
a circulation of the relevant papers amongst the members and the
expression of the views of the majority of the members in writing be
Proxy
representation
Casual vacancy
Meetings of
Board
Quorum
Decision of Board

he
expression of the views of the majority of the members in writing be
Proxy
representation
Casual vacancy
Meetings of
Board
Quorum
Decision of Board

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THE NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS ACT [CAP. 56 R.E. 2023]
honoured but any member may require that the decision be deferred
and the subject matter be considered at a meeting of the board. 9.–(1) The Board shall cause to be recorded and kept minutes of all
business conducted or transacted at its meetings and the minutes of
each meeting of the Board shall be read and confirmed, or amended
and confirmed, at the next meeting of the Board and signed by the
person presiding at the meeting. (2) Any minutes purporting to be signed by the person presiding at
a meeting of the Board shall, in the absence of proof of error, be deemed
to be a correct record of the meeting whose minutes they purport to be. 10. The validity of any act or proceeding of the Board shall not be affected
by any vacancy among its members or by any defect proceedings in the
appointment of any of them. 11.

or proceeding of the Board shall not be affected
by any vacancy among its members or by any defect proceedings in the
appointment of any of them. 11.

All orders, directions, notices or other documents made or issued
on behalf of the Board shall be signed by-
(a) the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson of the Board, as the
case may be; or
(b) the Registrar. 12. Any document purporting to be under the hand of the Chairperson,
Vice-Chairperson or the Registrar as to any resolution of the Board or
as having been issued on behalf of the Board, shall be receivable in all
courts or tribunals or other bodies authorised to receive evidence and
shall, unless the contrary is shown, be deemed, without further proof,
to be sufficient evidence of what is contained in the document. 13. The seal of the Board shall not be affixed to any instrument except
in the presence of the Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson or the
Registrar. 14. A member of the Board shall be entitled to such remuneration, fees or
allowances for expenses as the Minister may, upon recommendations
of the Board, prescribe. 15. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, the Board may regulate
its own proceedings.

inister may, upon recommendations
of the Board, prescribe. 15. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, the Board may regulate
its own proceedings.

Minutes of
meetings
Vacancies etc.,
not to invalidate
proceedings
Orders, directions
of Board
Proof of
documents
Seal of Board
Remuneration
of members of
Board
Board may
regulate
proceedings

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