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Explanations of ‘What is what and how does it work?’

Table of contents

Forewords

In many parts of Africa, it often takes a very long time to set up an association. Government agencies are not always the right point of contact, and you need to be very patient. For small associations, the start-up costs are sometimes simply unaffordable.

Our experience at NADEUM / NADEUM-WIKO has taught us that it is unrealistic to try to reach the whole of Africa with a NADEUM network alone. Small associations like ours therefore specifically seek out partner organisations whose board or chairperson has connections to the headquarters in Vienna.

Europeans and Africans often have very different ideas about how cooperation in an association works. That is why the first step is always to get to know each other slowly and learn from each other. Some Africans also assume that Europeans have to pay off a kind of ‘colonial debt’. We would like to make it clear that NADEUM / NADEUM-WIKO does not donate money. Our goal is to encourage Africans to implement their projects themselves.

Thanks to our Secretary General, Mag. Andreas Gustav Andiel, a certified social skills trainer, we conduct training courses that make people of all genders in Africa aware of their potential.

1. General rule for West Africa

There is no uniform ‘West African’ NGO registration; instead, each country has its own requirements. Although there are regional organisations (such as ECOWAS) that strengthen civil society, for example, there is no common NGO registration requirement for all member states.

This basically means that

  • each country has its own rules.
  • However, there are common basic principles, such as formal statutes, a board of directors, objectives, a description of tasks and, in many cases, annual reports, which are found in all countries.

West Africa – Country-specific information (examples)

Sierra Leone

  • NGOs must first register with the local NGO umbrella organisation (SLANGO) and then with the state.
  • This includes articles of association, proof of membership in SLANGO and often a registration procedure with the ministry.
  • Registration is renewed regularly (e.g. every two years).

Ghana

  • NGOs register as a ‘company limited by guarantee’ with the Registrar General’s Department.
  • Requirements include: name, address, board of directors, articles of association, auditor, etc.
  • Licensing by the Non-Profit Organisation Secretariat is then required.
  • Annual reporting and financial disclosures are required.

Important: CBOs are registered at district level and must also submit annual reports.

Nigeria

  • NGOs are registered as ‘Incorporated Trustees’ under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA).
  • Requirements: Articles of association, board members, proof of identity, public announcement and subsequent submission to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
  • Registration can take place after approximately 6–8 weeks.
  • Registration is mandatory if the organisation wishes to act as a legal entity, receive donations, open bank accounts or enter into contracts.

General requirements in many countries

Although the formal steps vary, the following key points are often repeated:

1. Founding documents

  • Articles of association / constitution
  • Purpose and objectives
  • Governance structure
  • Rules on dissolution and use of assets

2. Board of directors / management

  • Several founding members (e.g. at least 7 to 8 persons)
  • Information about board members and responsible persons

3. Registration with the competent authority

  • Often the ‘registrar’ or Ministry of Social Affairs/Justice
  • Official fees and name check

4. Ongoing obligations

  • Annual reports
  • Often financial statements
  • Updates in the event of changes to the board or address changes

Differences between countries

Yes – there are clear differences.

Examples:

  • Ghana requires a licence and annual audits.
  • Nigeria requires public notification and may have longer processing times.
  • Sierra Leone often additionally requires membership in an NGO umbrella organisation as a condition.
  • 👉 Conclusion: The basic building blocks are similar, but the administrative process, fees, authorities and requirements vary greatly from country to country. Therefore, it is not possible to simply name a single procedure ‘for all of West Africa’.

CBOs & SHGs

Community-based organisations (CBOs)

  • In some countries, such as Ghana, separate rules apply to CBOs.
  • They are often registered at the local level (district, municipality) and have a simpler process than national NGOs.

SHGs (Self-Help Groups)

  • These are often established informally and are often minimally regulated, at least in the social/agricultural sector (small self-help groups).
  • However, registration with the state may still be advisable for legal recognition or eligibility to receive donations.
  •  

Learning centres and educational institutions

If a learning centre is run as an institute, association or NPO, the country’s NGO rules usually apply.

  • Some countries require additional education licences,
  • e.g. if formal lessons, certificates or degrees are to be offered (local legal advice is worthwhile here).

Overview: Similarities vs. differences

Topic | Commonality | Differences

Foundation | Statutes, purpose, and governing board required | Requirements vary significantly
Registration | Registration with authorities | Level and responsible ministries differ by country
Documents | Statutes, identity, address | Auditor, license, name reservation vary
Reporting | Annual reports often required | Type and scope differ
Costs | Fees are common | Amounts vary widely

 

2. Central Africa – Basic information

Central Africa includes countries such as: Cameroon, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe.

General points for setting up associations/NGOs

  1. No uniform regulations:
    • Each country has its own laws for NGOs and non-profit organisations.
    • Registration may be required at local, regional or national level.
  1. Typical requirements:
    • Statutes / Constitution: Purpose, objectives, membership, board of directors.
    • Board of directors / Governing body: Often several members are required.
    • Office / Local address: For official accessibility.
    • Proof of activities or source of funding: Especially for international NGOs.
  1.  
  2. Differences depending on the type of organisation:

Organisation Comment

NGO Formal registration with the relevant ministry (e.g. Ministry of the Interior, Justice or Social Affairs). Annual reports, accounting and tax registration often required.

CBO (Community-Based Organisation) Usually local registration at village or district level, more formal but simpler process than national NGOs.

SHG (Self-Help Group) Often informal; often minimally regulated, registration only necessary when applying for donations or funding.

LC (Learning Centre) Often treated legally as an NGO or association; depending on the country, additional educational licences or permits may be required.

  • Typical challenges:
    • Bureaucratic processes can take a long time.
    • Registration fees vary greatly.
    • Different expectations for board members, audits and reporting.
    • International NGOs often need recognition or registration in their home country before they can operate in Central Africa.
  • Practical recommendation:
    • Always seek local advice, e.g. from a solicitor, NGO umbrella organisation or government agency.
    • Consider whether the organisation should be national or only local – this often simplifies registration considerably.
    • CBOs and SHGs are easier to start in practice, but formal registration may be necessary for funding or official contracts.

3. South Africa - Basic information

1. Legal framework

In South Africa, there are different legal forms for civil society organisations:

Organizational Form | Legal Basis | Main Responsible Authority

NGO / NPO (Nonprofit Organization) | Nonprofit Organisations Act, 1997 | Department of Social Development
CBO (Community-Based Organization) | Formally registered as an NPO; may start informally at community level | Department of Social Development or local municipality
SHG (Self-Help Group) | Often informal; registration required only for funding or a bank account | Local authorities or banks
LC (Learning Center / Learning Centre) | May be registered as an NPO or Trust; additional approval from the Ministry of Education may be required | Department of Social Development / Department of Basic Education

 

2. Registration of an NGO/NPO

    1. Check name – must not be too similar to existing NPOs.
    2. Draw up articles of association/constitution – sets out purpose, member rights, board of directors, tasks, decision-making processes.
    3. Submit application to the Department of Social Development – including articles of association and details of founding members.
    4. Receive confirmation/registration number – from this point onwards, officially registered and legally competent.
    5. Submit annual reports – financial reports and activity reports to maintain status.

    Costs: Usually low or free, depending on the province.

3. CBO (Community-Based Organisation)

  • Purpose: Local community projects, e.g. health or education programmes.
  • Formalities: Simpler registration than an NPO; proof of articles of association and a board of directors is often sufficient.
  • Advantages: Less bureaucracy, quicker to get started, politically uncontroversial.
  •  

4. SHG (Self-Help Group)

  • Purpose: Small groups of people who support each other (income, education, health).
  • Formalities: Mostly informal; registration only necessary if funding is requested.
  • Example: Women’s groups, neighbourhood initiatives, small cooperatives.
  •  

5. Learning Centres (LCs)

  • Legal form: Often registered as an NPO or trust.
  • Additional requirements:
    • For formal teaching, approval from the Department of Basic Education may be required.
    • Observe safety and hygiene rules.
  • Purpose: Training courses, workshops, further education, lifelong learning.
  •  

6. Important points for South Africa

  • Differing levels of formality: NPOs > CBOs > SHGs in terms of bureaucracy and reporting requirements.
  • Political neutrality: Organisations that pursue only social or educational purposes are considered non-critical.
  • Transparency and documentation: Articles of association, board lists and annual reports are crucial for maintaining long-term recognition.
  • Taxes: NPOs can be recognised as non-profit organisations for tax purposes by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
  •  

7. Recommendation for practice

  • If the objective is social or educational work: NPOs/CBOs are most suitable.
  • SHGs for local self-help projects with low formality.
  • Learning centres can be run as NPOs to facilitate access to funding and permits.
  • Use local advice: Solicitors or NGO umbrella organisations can help with registration and compliance with legal requirements.
  •  

3. East Africa – Basic framework for setting up associations

Typical countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan
👉 No uniform regulations – each country has its own laws, but very similar basic principles.

1. NGO (Non-Governmental Organization)

Character

  • National or international organisation
  • Formally registered
  • Reporting obligations, government supervision

 

Typical requirements

  • Statutes/constitution
  • Purpose and areas of activity
  • Board of directors/trustees
  • Physical address in the country
  • Bank account
  • Annual reports (activity + finances)

 

Authorities (examples)

  • Kenya: NGO Coordination Board
  • Uganda: NGO Bureau
  • Tanzania: Registrar of NGOs
  • Rwanda: Rwanda Governance Board

 

Assessment

  • High legitimacy
  • Higher administrative burden
  • More politically sensitive when international

2. CBO (Community-Based Organization)

Character

  • Locally based (village, district, county)
  • Often the preferred form for development work

 

Typical requirements

  • Simple statutes
  • List of members
  • Local governing body
    • Registration usually with:
    • Municipality
    • District
    • County / Sub-County Office

 

Advantages

  • Less bureaucracy
  • Low costs
  • Politically unobtrusive
  • Very well accepted in East Africa
  • 👉 Often the best entry point for NADEUM-WIKO partners

3. SHG (Self-Help Group)

Character

  • Small self-help groups (10–30 people)
  • Focus: Income, nutrition, education, women’s/youth groups

 

Formalities

  • Often informal
  • Registration only necessary for:
    • Bank account
    • Funding
    • Cooperation

 

Typical requirements

  • Group rules
  • Chairperson + treasurer
  • Member list

 

Evaluation

  • Quick to set up
  • Ideal for pilot projects
  • Very low risk

4. LC (Learning Center)

Legal form

  • Mostly CBO or NGO
  • Rarely independent legal form

 

Additional requirements

  • If formal education:
    • Approval by education authority
  • If informal education/training:
    • Mostly no additional licence

 

Practice

  • Many learning centres start as CBO + education project
  • Formal recognition only later

Comparison of organisational forms (East Africa)

FormBureaucracyPolitical SensitivityRecommendation
NGOHighMedium to highOnly if necessary
CBOMediumLowHighly recommended
SHGVery lowVery lowIdeal for starting
Learning CenterVariableLowAs a CBO/NGO

Important realities in East Africa

  • Patience is crucial – processes take time
  • Local contacts are more important than laws
  • CBOs are preferred (also by authorities and the UN)
  • International NGOs are subject to greater scrutiny
  • Relationships and trust count for more than paper
  •  

Recommended strategy for NADEUM-WIKO

  • Start with SHG or CBO
  • Involve local leaders
  • NADEUM-WIKO as a partner, not as an operator
  • Only when growth occurs → check NGO status
  • Learning Centre as a project, not as a separate legal entity
  •  

1. Clarifying terms: North Africa vs. Maghreb

1. Clarifying terms: North Africa vs. Maghreb

North Africa (geographical)

Usually includes:

  • Morocco
  • Algeria
  • Tunisia
  • Libya
  • Egypt
  • (+ often: Sudan, Western Sahara – depending on definition)

Maghreb (political and legal)

Mostly:

  • Morocco
  • Algeria
  • Tunisia
  • Libya

👉 The Maghreb is more strictly regulated in legal and administrative terms than many countries south of the Sahara, especially when it comes to NGOs.

2. Basic characteristics of civil society in North Africa

FeatureMaghrebEgypt
NGO lawStrictly regulatedVery strictly regulated
State controlHighVery high
International NGOsSubject to approvalStrongly restricted
CBO / SHGPossible, but formalMostly restricted
Learning centersSubject to approvalSubject to approval

 

👉 Anything is possible – but formally, documented and controlled.

3. NGOs (non-governmental organisations)

Maghreb (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya)

Basics:
  • NGOs must be officially registered (Ministry of the Interior or Social Affairs).
  • Statutes, board of directors, purpose and financing must be disclosed.
  • International partners must be reported.
Special features:
  • Political, human rights and governance-related issues are sensitive.
  • Development, education and social work are more readily accepted.
  • Foreign funding often requires approval.
Practical recommendation:
  • Local NGO as main sponsor
  • International partners (e.g. NADEUM-WIKO) only in an advisory/technical capacity
  • No operational control from abroad

Egypt (special case)

    • Very restrictive NGO law
    • Registration with the Ministry of Social Solidarity is mandatory
    Approval required for:
      • Financing
      • Projects
      • International cooperation
      • 👉 NGOs are only viable if they have a very clear, apolitical orientation

4. CBOs (Community-Based Organizations)

Maghreb

  • Often exist as:
    • Local associations
    • Neighbourhood initiatives
  • Formally registered, but simpler than NGOs

Accepted topics:

  • Education
  • Social issues
  • Culture
  • Environment
  • Neighbourhood assistance

Not recommended:

  • Political education
  • Advocacy
  • Human rights monitoring

5. SHGs (self-help groups)

All of North Africa

  • SHGs are rarely officially regulated
  • Mostly:
    • informal groups
    • savings, women’s or craft groups
  • Registration only necessary for:
    • bank accounts
    • subsidies
  • 👉 Very well suited as an introduction, as politically unobtrusive

6. Learning Centres

Maghreb & Egypt

  • Learning centres are often legally considered to be:
    • Educational institutions
    • Training centres
  • Approval required for:
    • Formal education
    • Certificates
    • Children/young people

No problem:

  • Adult education
  • Workshops
  • Informal learning
  • Skills training
  • 👉 Often run as projects by NGOs/CBOs, not independently.

7. Comparison table (North Africa)

FormMaghrebEgyptRecommendation
NGOPossible, formalVery difficultLocal only
CBOFeasibleRestrictedRecommended
SHGVery suitableSuitableHighly recommended
Learning CenterSubject to approvalSubject to approvalAs a project

 

8. Recommended NADEUM-WIKO strategy for North Africa

No direct NGO establishment by NADEUM-WIKO

  • Cooperation with:
    • local CBOs
    • informal SHGs
  • Learning Centre only:
    • as a project
    • without certificates
  • Focus on:
    • knowledge transfer
    • empowerment
    • training
  • Financing:
    • small
    • transparent
    • locally managed

9. Brief summary

North Africa is not ‘Africa south of the Sahara’.

Structures are more formal, more state-oriented and more sensitive.

For NADEUM-WIKO, the following applies:

  • SHGs and CBOs are the safest route
  • NGOs only via local agencies
  • Learning centres only informal or project-based
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