The Government of Zimbabwe has announced a new risk-based approach to classifying Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs). This move is part of the country’s efforts to comply with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism. Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo announced the decision in a Statutory Instrument published in the Government Gazette last week. The classification will categorize PVOs based on factors such as exposure to foreign funding from high-risk jurisdictions, conflict areas, and cross-border cash movements. This is also in line with the PVO Act, which was signed into law in April 2025.
Key Players Involved
- Government of Zimbabwe: Implemented the new classification system to enhance regulatory compliance.
- Minister Edgar Moyo (Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare): Announced the decision through a Statutory Instrument.
- Financial Action Task Force (FATF): The global standard-setter whose recommendations Zimbabwe is working to comply with.
Event Timeline
- Last week (prior to June 14, 2026): Statutory Instrument detailing the new classification system was published in the Government Gazette.
- April 2025: The Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Act, which underpins these new regulations, was signed into law.
- June 14, 2026: News of the government’s adoption of the risk-based classification was reported.
