Disappointed EU Cuts 2025 Funding After Zimbabwe Signs Controversial PVO Bill
The European Union (EU) has halted its planned 2025 funding to Zimbabwe following President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s signing of the controversial Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill.
The new law, which was officially gazetted on Friday as Act No. 1 of 2025, is now enforceable and marks a significant shift in the regulation of civic groups and non-governmental organisations.
EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann stated that the decision comes as Zimbabwe’s governance promises under its Structured Dialogue Framework were not upheld.
In his remarks on X (formerly Twitter), Ambassador von Kirchmann highlighted Zimbabwe’s mounting debt—exceeding USD 21 billion in arrears to bilateral and multilateral creditors and expressed deep disappointment over the expansion restrictions on civic space.
He explained that the EU’s funding support was withdrawn after the government rushed the PVO Amendment Bill through without properly consulting civil society organisations.
This law amends five major pieces of legislation, including the PVO Act [Chapter 17:05], and grants government authorities broad powers to scrutinize private voluntary organisations.
According to iHarare, the designation “Act No. 1 of 2025” signifies that this law is the first legislative act to be officially recorded in the 2025 gazette.
The law not only expands regulatory oversight over NGOs’ funding sources and ownership structures but also introduces strict penalties—including imprisonment of up to 35 years—for offences related to misrepresentation and illicit financing.
Critics, including human rights groups, warn that the sweeping provisions could stifle dissent, while government officials defend the amendment as a measure to prevent terrorism financing and money laundering.
The EU, however, remains open to reconsidering its decision if Zimbabwe demonstrates genuine commitment to its governance targets.
The move underscores broader concerns that Zimbabwe’s rapid legislative changes might derail much-needed economic and democratic reforms.
