©Share Joy International
November 10, 2025
Starting an NGO in Zambia is a noble journey (Check out the step-by-step guideline on registering your NGO here. If you’ve gone through the registration process, your mission is clear, your board is set up, and it's now time to handle the most practical part: opening a bank account in your NGO’s name.
Many
new NGOs get stuck here, unsure of what documents are needed, what the law
says, or which bank to choose. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you
need to know clearly, legally, and simply so your organisation can handle its
funds transparently and professionally.
Why Your NGO Needs Its Own Bank Account
Before
jumping into the process, let’s understand why this step matters so much.
1. It builds trust.
Donors, sponsors, and even your members will take your organisation seriously when they see that your finances are handled through an official account, not a personal one.
2. It gives you access to funding.
Most
donors, whether local or international, require an NGO bank account. They won’t
fund an organisation that operates through personal accounts.
These
reasons plus many more legal reasons, would follow.
Step-by-Step Process: Opening an NGO Bank Account in Zambia
Step 1: Make Sure Your NGO Is Legally Registered
Before approaching any bank, your organisation must be officially registered with a certificate from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services under the NGO Act No. 16 of 2009. Furthermore, depending on your structure, this could mean registration with:
PACRA (Patents and Companies Registration Agency) – for companies limited by guarantee.
Registrar of Societies – for associations and community-based organisations.
You’ll need:
- Certificate of Registration
- Constitution
or Articles of Association (showing your objectives and governance structure)
Without
these, the bank will not open an account in your NGO’s name.
Step 2: Hold a Board Meeting and Pass a Resolution
This is one of the most important steps. Your board or executive committee must officially authorise the opening of the account. The resolution should include:
- The name of the bank you’ve chosen
- The names of authorised signatories (e.g., Chairperson, Treasurer, Secretary)
- The signing mandate, such as “two to sign”
Example Resolution:
“It was resolved that an account be opened in the name of [for example, Safe Space Foundation] with [For example, Indo Zambia Bank], and that the following persons be authorised signatories, with a signing mandate of two to sign.”
This document should be typed, signed, and dated ideally on your NGO’s letterhead, as it gives a more formal way.
Step 3: Gather All Required Documents
Each bank may have slight variations, but most will require the following:
- Certificate of Registration
- Constitution or Articles of Association
- Board Resolution authorising account opening
- NRCs or Passports for all signatories in respect of foreigners or aliens' immigration permits or work permits.
- Proof of address for the NGO (utility bill, lease, or letter from local authority)
- TPIN Certificate (Taxpayer Identification Number) from ZRA
Step 4: Choose which bank will be suitable for you
Each bank has its own charges, pros and cons.
Opening a proper bank account for your NGO might seem like paperwork, but it’s actually a statement of integrity. It says to the world: we are organised, we are accountable, and we handle resources responsibly. When donors see that, they’re not just funding your mission; they’re funding their trust in you. So take the time, gather your documents, and do it right. You’ll thank yourself later when opportunities start flowing smoothly.
Do
you need further help opening your NGO or have further questions? Do not hesitate
to email me; emwangaila@gmail.com,
or you can check out the Humanity cast series on NGOs here, which will help you open your NGO hustle-free.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
