The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services is conducting a training on the NGO Registration and Information Management System (NGO-RIMS), a digital platform designed to modernise and streamline the registration, coordination, and regulation of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the country.

Speaking when she officially opened the training, Permanent Secretary Ms. Beatrice Chilomo emphasised the need to equip officers with the necessary skills ahead of the system’s transition into full production.

The system is expected to significantly strengthen the operations of the Department of the Registrar of NGOs in line with the provisions of the NGO Act No. 16 of 2009, as well as enhance monitoring and regulatory oversight.

The Permanent Secretary explained that once fully operational, the system will digitise key processes, thereby improving efficiency, transparency, and service delivery.

Ms. Chilomo further acknowledged that under the manual system, NGOs often face challenges such as delays, high costs, and the burden of travelling long distances to access services.

She expressed delight that with the rollout of the online platform, organisations will now be able to submit applications, file annual returns, and access services remotely without physically visiting the Ministry.

“This development will improve how we do business and enhance compliance among NGOs because it is our responsibility to provide technical support to organisations that may not yet be conversant with digital systems,” she said.

Meanwhile, Registrar of NGOs Ms. Agatha Banda urged officers to fully participate in the training in order to build the technical capacity necessary for effective service delivery.

She said the Department must embrace the technological advancement brought about by the system to promote efficiency.