The Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (MACODA) has called on all organisations implementing or supporting disability programmes to register with the council, saying the requirement is now a legal obligation under Section 22 of the Persons with Disabilities Act (No. 4 of 2024).

MACODA Public Relations Officer Harriet Kachimanga said registration not only ensures compliance with the law but also gives organisations official recognition to engage with government agencies, donors and development partners.

“Registration is a legal requirement under Section 22 of the Persons with Disabilities Act. Beyond legality, it gives organisations official standing to engage with government agencies, donors and partners. Most importantly, it allows MACODA to monitor the sector and ensure that any service being provided to persons with disabilities meets the set national standards,” said Kachimanga.

She said the registration exercise is aimed at improving coordination of disability programmes by mapping all organisations to ensure services are distributed fairly across the country and reach the intended beneficiaries without duplication of efforts.

Kachimanga warned that under Section 5 of the Act, MACODA has the authority to issue, review, suspend or revoke certifications, adding that organisations that fail to register will not be recognised as legal entities within the disability sector.

She said the council currently has 35 registered organisations and has urged all others to register immediately.