Ten Commonly-Asked Questions

1. What is the Database of Civil Society Organisations in Zanzibar?
2. What type of organisations are included in this database?
3. What is the importance of this database to development actors in Zanzibar?
4. Who owns this data base and do I need to pay any fee to access information?
5. What benefit do I get if I my organisation is included in this data base?
6. What should my organisation do to ensure we are included in the data base?
7. If I do not have access to the internet is it still possible to access this database?
8. Will my organisation be de-registered if we do not appear in this database?
9. Is it possible to change information already submitted in the database?
10. Does this database replace the government's register of CSOs?


1. What is the Database of Civil Society Organisations in Zanzibar?

A listing of all CSOs that are currently actively operating in Zanzibar, what they are doing, where their activities are concentrated, who are their leaders and their key achievements in the last five years.

2. What type of organisations are included in this database?

Community organisations, CBOs, faithbased groups, women groups, local and international NGOs, professional associations that are registered under Societies Act No. 6 of the Laws of Zanzibar

3. What is the importance of this database to development actors in Zanzibar?

It provides first hand information on what CSOs exist, what they are doing and where, their funding sources as well as an indication of their capacities. This enables other actors to identify and strike good working relationships with civil society organisations

4. Who owns this data base and do I need to pay any fee to access information?

The database is the property of the Ministry of Good Governance and Constitutional Affairs and is provided free to development practitioners interested in working with CSOs in Zanzibar. The only requirement is that users need to notify the NGO Coordination Unit and the NGO Resource Centre whenever they want to reproduced in both manual and electronic forms any information contained in this databas

5. What benefit do I get if I my organisation is included in this data base?

Your information, achievement focus and funding needs will be available to a wide range of actors who may be able to partner with you in development. You will have the chance to profile your work and to make it available to potential donors.

6. What should my organisation do to ensure we are included in the data base?

Simply fill in the form provided and submit according to the instructions provided in the website. Alternatively you could print out and fill in the Information Request form and deliver it to the nearest offices of the Ministry of Good Governance or the head office in Stone Town

7. If I do not have access to the internet is it still possible to access this database?

The database is available in two other forms in addition to the website page - a CD ROM and a printed and bound volume. Both of these can be accessed through the NGO Department, offices of the NGO Resource Centre in Stone Town, ANGOZA in Unguja and in PACSO offices in Pemba.

8. Will my organisation be de-registered if we do not appear in this database?

This database does not replace the formal registration procedure at the Registrar of Societies or at the Ministry of Labour, Women Youth and Children Development. Only organisations that have complied with all legal requirements will be included on this database.

9. Is it possible to change information already submitted in the database?

YES. If you have noticed mistakes or have additional information to add to the database, you will be allowed to do so as long you provide sufficient evidence that such changes have been approved by your top management and governance.

10. Does this database replace the government's register of CSOs?

NO. The database is a service that the NGO unit is offering to enable more information sharing about actual operating CSOs as opposed to the long list of CSOs some of which are either dormant or non-existent at all.