Country Overview
Legal forms of philanthropic organizations included in the law: Association
Main social issues addressed by these organizations: Basic Needs, Early Childhood Education through High School, Religion, Water and Sanitation, Youth and Family
Average time established by law to register a philanthropic organization: 0-30 days
Average cost for registering a philanthropic organization: USD 150
The process is cumbersome. It requires first obtaining articles of incorporation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and next receiving a certificate of accreditation by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs. Accreditation requires a letter of request, completed application, and various documents including: articles of incorporation, mission statement, logo (if any), list of full-time staff/positions, and parent letter (if international non-governmental organization (INGO)). An organization wishing to register as a NGO must: fit the definition of NGO according to the National NGO Policy, have a mission statement containing clearly defined objectives, target beneficiaries, sector(s) of operation, constitution, and by-laws, and must file annual reporting documents. Additional requirements include office space with visible signboard, organizational bank account, at least three full-time staff, and a board of directors. These requirements make it difficult for an NGO to register, so there are many unregistered NGOs operating.
Government levels primarily regulating the incorporation of philanthropic organizations: Central/Federal Government