Can you explain to me how an African CBO works and what it is allowed to do?

ChatGPT:

Yes, gladly! A community-based organisation (CBO) in Africa — as in other parts of the world — is a local, non-profit organisation founded and run by members of a community. Its goal is to improve the living conditions of the local population through projects, programmes or services. CBOs are legally regulated in many African countries, for example by the NGO Coordination Act in Kenya.

🔧 How does an African CBO work?

1. Foundation & registration:
   • A group of community members decides to organise themselves.
   • The CBO is usually registered with the local government office or a government NGO coordination authority.
   • In Kenya, for example, this is done through the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection or the Social Services Department at the county level.
2. Structure:
   • The organisation often has a constitution, rules and an elected leadership (chairperson, secretary, treasurer).
   • There are regular meetings, bookkeeping and reports.
3. Financing:
   • The CBO can receive donations, collect membership fees or run small income-generating projects.
   • It can also apply for funding from NGOs, governments or international organisations.

✅ What can a CBO do?

Depending on its constitution and legal framework, a CBO may carry out the following activities:

• Implement social projects: e.g. education, health, women’s empowerment, youth activities.
• Launch income-generating measures: e.g. agricultural projects, crafts, small restaurants.
• Provide education: on topics such as the environment, human rights, health, gender, etc.
• Mobilise the community: for volunteer work, self-help groups or emergency aid.
• Cooperate with other organisations: e.g. with international NGOs, UN organisations or government agencies.

❌ What can a CBO not do?

• Not act like a profit-oriented company (profits can’t be distributed to members).
• Not engage in party politics or act as a political organisation.
• Not carry out commercial banking activities (e.g. lending money with interest – except within the framework of legal savings groups).
• Not conduct business outside its mandate or without the permission of the authorities.