Tanaka Chare
The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) Midlands officially opened the NGO Expo and Winter School at the Civic Centre, with the initiative to showcase the work of NGOs promoting civil society and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Midlands Province, Hon. Owen Ncube, toured the exhibition stands of various non-governmental organisations showcasing their services and products, highlighting how they are being innovative and making them viable for communities.
The NGO Expo and Winter School theme ‘ Localisation as a Game Changer: CSO Advancing Local Solutions for Development Effectiveness’ is in line with the current development discourses in Zimbabwe and globally. It recognises that development is locally led and locally driven.
The chairperson of NANGO, Mr Charles Mazorodze, expressed his gratitude for NGOs’ work and their contributions to the communities in the Midlands region.
“ On behalf of NANGO, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude, celebrating the role and work of NGOs in transforming our communities. Your presence underscores the shared commitment you all have towards Zimbabwe’s inclusive and sustainable development.”
“NGO Expo reflects His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa’s receptive leadership style as a listening President attributed by the Engagement and Re-engagement Policy that provides more civic space that enables Government and NGOs to enhance engagement as we march towards the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030,” said Hon Ncube.
He went on to say, “Furthermore, the localisation agenda entrenched by this Indaba is in support of the Second Republic’s Heritage-Based Modernisation and Industrialisation Agenda that underscores an inward-looking approach to development planning by leveraging on comparative advantages of natural resource endowments as well as human capital.”
Mazorodze emphasised the need to amplify local voices, champion localisation, and defend civic space as the sector navigates complex challenges.
This inaugural Expo is more than just an event- it is a platform for CSOs to showcase impact, a space to advance local solutions for national development, and a collective call to protect and enable civic engagement.
Mazorodze applauds everyone who took part in the inaugural of the NGO Expo and Winter School 2025.
“We thank all stakeholders, partners, exhibitors, and participants for joining hands in driving inclusive and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.”
