A Comparative Analysis of the Criminal Liability of Non Governmental Organisations in Zambia and the United Kingdom

Abstract

Using comparative insights from the UK, this dissertation investigated the criminal liability of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Zambia. It contended that Zambia’s present legal system, especially the Non-Governmental Organisations Act No. 16 of 2009, lacks explicit measures for criminal accountability and instead concentrates on administrative regulation. This piece of writing examined pertinent statutes and case law using a doctrinal research approach to ascertain whether NGOs can be held accountable for crimes like fraud or corruption. The Bribery Act of 2010 and the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act of 2007 provide an effective system based on organisational fault and preventive compliance, but Zambia’s enforcement is fragmented and reactive, according to findings. According to the study’s findings, Zambia should amend its NGO legislation to more clearly acknowledge criminal liability, improve interagency cooperation, and encourage accountability and openness in the non-profit sector.