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Council for NGOs in Malawi (CONGOMA)

Organizational Overview

(CONGOMA) is a legally mandated umbrella body for NGOs in Malawi. It coordinates and represents NGOs in engaging Government, development partners, and communities on policy, governance, and development.

Through national and district networks, CONGOMA enhances collaboration, promotes accountability and strengthens civil society’s role in service delivery. It also provides advisory services, builds NGO capacity, and advocates an enabling environment. With its wide membership and expertise, CONGOMA amplifies citizen voices and contributes to national priorities, including Malawi 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

3500+ Member NGOs
35 Years of Service
28 Districts Covered
500+ Partners
CONGOMA Team Meeting

Our Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission

Maximize the potential and actual impact that member NGOs may or do have on development in Malawi through mutual support among NGOs.

Our Vision

‘Strong, sustainable and vibrant Non-Governmental Organizations working in a conducive and collaborative environment in which a culture of accountability and good governance is entrenched and the rights of every citizen are respected and promoted’.

Our Values

  • Integrity and Accountability
  • Transparency
  • Professionalism
  • Inclusiveness
  • Non-partisanship

Our History

35 Years of NGO Excellence

1988

Establishment

CONGOMA was established as the coordinating body for NGOs in Malawi, initially with 25 member organizations.

1995

Legal Recognition

Formal recognition through the NGO Act provided a legal framework for CONGOMA's operations and mandate.

2001

Expansion

Membership grew to over 200 organizations, expanding CONGOMA's reach across all regions of Malawi.

2023

Current Status

Now representing over 450 member NGOs with expanded programs and nationwide coverage.

Mandate & Legal Framework

CONGOMA derives its mandate from the NGO Act of Malawi, which recognizes it as the coordinating body for non-governmental organizations operating in the country. It is registered as a Trust under the Trustees Incorporation Act of Malawi. Our legal framework establishes our role in:

  • Facilitating coordination and cooperation among NGOs
  • Representing the NGO sector in dialogue with government and development partners
  • Promoting accountability and transparency within the NGO sector
  • Setting and maintaining standards through the NGO Code of Conduct
  • Providing capacity building and support services to member organizations

We operate in accordance with the NGO Governance Charter, which outlines the principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency that guide our operations and those of our member organizations.

Download PDF

Download PDF

Strategic Goals

Our roadmap for strengthening Malawi's NGO sector

Short-Term Objectives (1-2 Years)

  • Strengthen membership engagement and services
  • Enhance advocacy on key policy issues affecting the NGO sector
  • Improve internal governance systems and processes
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy
  • Build strategic partnerships with government and development actors

Medium-Term Objectives (3-5 Years)

  • Establish CONGOMA as the primary knowledge hub for the NGO sector
  • Enhance the financial sustainability of the organization
  • Strengthen regional and district networks
  • Develop and implement sector-wide capacity building programs
  • Improve accountability mechanisms across the NGO sector

Long-Term Objectives (5+ Years)

  • Position the NGO sector as a key contributor to national development
  • Establish sustainable funding mechanisms for the NGO sector
  • Create a robust regulatory environment that supports NGO operations
  • Develop a strong, self-sustaining NGO sector that effectively serves communities
  • Enhance South-South cooperation and learning exchanges

Thematic Sectors of Focus

Thematic Sectors of Focus

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Organizational Structure & Governance

How CONGOMA is organized and governed for maximum effectiveness

General Assembly

Supreme Governing Body

Board of Trustees

Policy & Oversight

Executive Committee

Executive Leadership

Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer

Programs Department

Implementation

Finance & Admin

Operations

Membership Services

Member Support

Policy & Advocacy

Influencing

Governance Organs

General Assembly

The supreme governing body of CONGOMA, comprising representatives from all member organizations. The Assembly meets annually to approve policies, elect Board members, and provide strategic direction.

Board of Trustees

Elected by the General Assembly, the Board provides oversight and strategic guidance. It consists of 6 individuals with experience from the NGO sector.

Governing Council(GC)

The GC provides more frequent oversight and policy guidance to the Secretariat. It comprises 6 NGOs and three Regional chairpersons. The 6 NGO representatives are elected by the annual general meeting for a term of 3 years

Secretariat

Headed by the Executive Director, the Secretariat is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of CONGOMA's programs and operations. It comprises technical and administrative staff.


Our Leadership

Meet the people guiding CONGOMA's strategic direction

Board of Trustees

Our Trustees are elected at an annual general meeting in their capacity as individuals for a term of three years. They provide oversight and ensure CONGOMA adheres to its mission and values. They bring decades of experience in governance, non-profit management, and community development.

Governing Council

Six member NGOs are elected into the Governing Council (GC) at an annual general meeting, while three additional members are elected regional chairpersons. GC is responsible for setting strategic direction, policy development, and ensuring the organization's financial sustainability. The Governing Council is serviced by standing committees which include the Standards Committee and Finance and Administration Committee.

Secretariat

The Secretariat is constituted by a team of professional individuals. The team is responsible for the day-to-day operations of CONGOMA, implementing programs and policies set by the Governing Council, and serving our member organizations.

View Full Leadership Team

Resources & Downloads

Key documents about CONGOMA