The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) Northern Region Expo and Winter School which was held at Africa Unity Square in Harare from 6 to 7 August 2026, bringing together civil society organizations to strengthen partnerships for national development has been described as critical to maximizing development and propelling the vision 2030 of achieving an upper-middle income society by 2030.
Running under the theme “Fortifying Inclusive Civic Spaces and Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships to Maximize Development and Impact” , the event provided a platform for NGOs to exhibit their work, network, and share innovations.
Speaking at the official opening, Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Mercy Dinha, commended NANGO for organizing a timely event.
“The government of Zimbabwe believes that sustainable national development cannot be achieved by one sector operating in isolation but it is a shared responsibility and it requires collaborative efforts,” Dinha said.
She applauded the contribution of CSOs in complementing government efforts in service delivery, advocacy and human rights, poverty alleviation, and capacity building.
“I am impressed by the innovation, creativity and community centred approach that NGOs are showing,” she added.
Dinha reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating a conducive ecosystem for NGOs to thrive. “We are committed to offer equal opportunities for them to participate and benefit from development processes,” she said.
NANGO Deputy Chairperson for Northern Region Retired Commissioner Bishop Masunungure also addressed delegates, urging organizations to reclaim their space through transparency and accountability.
“This Winter School and Expo is an inclusive and safe space for dialogue. Be intentional about networking, explore practical innovations and collaborations, and learn from each other’s success,” he said.
He noted that meaningful development is possible when stakeholders work together.
Representing the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, a church leader speaking on behalf of the General Secretary Rev. Wilfred Dimingu pledged the church’s unwavering commitment to social cohesion, peace and justice.
“We are committed to peace-building and fair representation of all groups including women, youths and Persons with Disabilities,”_ he said.
NGOs at the expo showcased projects spanning health, education, livelihoods and human rights, highlighting the sector’s crucial role in Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
The two-day event ended with workshops aimed at equipping CSOs with skills to maximize their impact through multi-stakeholder partnerships.
