Recent statistics reveal that over one thousand registered NGOs in Malawi are currently operating without a license, a situation that the Non-Governmental Organisations Regulatory Authority (NGORA) has termed as detrimental to the country's civic space.

NGORA Chief Executive Officer Edward Chileka Banda spoke to journalists in Lilongwe Tuesday, announcing a deadline of March 31st for all non-compliant NGOs to regularize their status.

He highlighted that out of the registered NGOs, only 167 are currently licensed.

"Those operating without registration and valid licenses pose serious risks to national security and will be dealt with accordingly," Banda stated.

He further explained that unregulated NGO operations could expose the nation to threats such as money laundering, theft, terrorist financing, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other criminal activities.

Governance commentator Victor Chipofya has called on NGORA to impose stricter penalties on NGOs that fail to adhere to the established guidelines.

During the same period in 2024, 649 out of 1,132 NGOs were licensed.

The NGO Act and NGO Policy were put into place to protect public interests and ensure NGOs operate effectively.