Have you ever wondered what it takes to open an NGO in Cameroon?, Have you dreamt of owning an NGO or working alongside some friends and partners
Have you ever wondered what it takes to open an NGO in Cameroon?, Have you dreamt of owning an NGO or working alongside some friends and partners with similar goals? Do you wish to participate in Community development, education, or other aspects of nations building but do not know how to set up an organization for this?
Worry not; hippotechgroup.com has developed a short article to direct you on the requirements to open an NGO in Cameroon.
Requirements to Open An NGO in Cameroon
What is an NGO?
According to the Oxford advanced learners dictionary, an NGO (non-Governmental Organization) is a non-profit organization that operates independently of any government, typically one whose purpose is to address a specific social or political issue.
This could be health, education, humanitarian aid or civic responsibility issues. In Cameroon, NGOs are also called Civil Society Organizations (CSO).
Read More: Best Interior Design Schools in Cameroon
What are the Requirements to Open an NGO in Cameroon?
To open an NGO in Cameroon, you must start by opening an Association that will run for at least three years before applying to be recognized as an NGO. An association can take off with four members.
The law that governs the creation, operation and existence of NGOs and associations is found in Article 7 of Law No. 90/053 of 19/12/90 relating to the functioning of associations in Cameroon.
The following steps below will guide you on the requirements to open an NGO in Cameroon:
- Open an Association
- Open a bank account
- Apply for your Association to be recognized as an NGO (after three years)
Step I: Requirements To Open An Association
1. First, get a handwritten application for the legalization of your Association. The handwritten application is addressed to the Senior Divisional Officer through the Divisional officer (D.O.) of the locality where your head office will be located.
2. Secondly, get three copies of the meeting minutes where the decision to create the Association was taken, with an attendance sheet attached. This is known as the constituent or elective assembly.
3. Also, attach three copies of the executive, or interim executive members list with their names, posts of responsibility, place of residence, and signatures. Copies of the National ID cards of the members should accompany this list. The positions listed below must be included;
- Office of the president
- Office of the secretary
- Office of the financial secretary
- Office of the treasure
- Programs officer
4. Furthermore, get three copies of the Association’s Constitution and Internal rules and regulations.
5. To conclude, fiscal stamps should be affixed on all the documents that are being submitted (handwritten application, constitution, minutes of constituent assembly, and list of executives)
See Also: Fashion Designing Schools in Cameroon
Note:
All the articles of the constitution must conform to the law on the functioning of associations in Cameroon.
The compiled file for legalization can be made by a delegated member or through a solicitor of the Association.
Step II: Open a Bank Account
After getting the authorization from the SDO (usually within three months of application), the next step is to open an account in the Association’s name.
This will enable legal backing for the Association to receive donations from sponsors, donors, and well-wishers.
See Also: Requirements to Open a Business in Cameroon
Step III: Apply to be Recognized as an NGO after Three Years
After three years of operation, you can apply for your Association to be recognized as an NGO.
Below are the requirements submitted at the SDO’s office for onward transmission to the minister of Territorial administration:
1. An application for your Association to be recognized as an NGO
2. The minutes of the extra-ordinary general assembly of members deciding to upgrade the Association to an NGO
3. A copy of the receipt of the declaration of the Association
4. A complete report of the Association’s activities and operations over the previous three years, including all accounting documents and bank account details
5. A document with the NGOs name, goals, objectives, and activities
6. A list of all individuals commissioned to run and manage the affairs of the NGO, including their names, contact information, and functions.
7. Fiscal stamps
After compilation of the file, it is deposited at the competent authority (usually the SDO) for onward transmission to the Minister of Territorial administration.
The file will be studied and authorized to run as an NGO if every requirement is met.
This procedure usually takes about three months.
Okay, there you have it! The requirements to open an NGO in Cameroon.
Other Resources:
COMMENTS