Stimulus Africa Foundation wishes to update all stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries in Zimbabwe’s Arts and Culture Sector regarding its management of the Swiss Support to Arts Development in Zimbabwe (SSADZA) Grant Fund.
Following the enactment of the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Act Amendment, 2025, Stimulus Africa Foundation—a duly registered Charitable Trust—can no longer legally receive or manage donor funds under the new regulatory framework which requires charitable trusts to convert into a PVO before managing such funding.
After careful strategic consideration, the Board of Stimulus Africa Foundation has decided not to pursue Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) registration or continue activities that would necessitate it at this time. The Foundation will continue to focus on self-funded, internally driven initiatives anchored in its enterprise development roots, which remain the organisation’s strongest platform for delivering sustainable and meaningful impact.
Stimulus Africa Foundation has served as the Founding Fund Manager of the SSADZA Fund since 1 October 2024. Following the change in law requiring charitable trusts to register as Private Voluntary Organisations to manage donor-funded programmes, the Foundation will step down from this role with effect from 31 December 2025.
“It has been a privilege to establish the SSADZA Fund in support of the Embassy of Switzerland’s vision for Zimbabwe’s creative sector. At a time of shrinking global funding, the Fund provides a vital lifeline for the sector, and we are confident it will continue to thrive on the strong foundation we have laid,” said Stimulus Africa Foundation Director, Rudo Nyangulu-Mungofa.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Foundation has been dedicated to supporting Zimbabwean creative enterprises—strengthening capacity, enabling meaningful artistic production, and fostering innovation across the arts and culture sector. Stimulus Africa Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the Embassy of Switzerland, development partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries for their collaboration and support in the projects the Trust has led over the years.
While the Stimulus Africa Foundation steps back from its public partnership programming, Stimulus Africa, operating through its duly registered private limited company, will continue its entrepreneurship and enterprise development work. In this capacity, the organisation will remain actively engaged in supporting Zimbabwe’s Creative Industries and the broader Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, leveraging its experience and expertise to drive sustainable growth and impact.
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SSADZA FUND ENQUIRES
For Further information on the new fund management arrangements and future funding cycles kindly contact the Embassy of Switzerland in Zimbabwe directly as follows:
Mr Richard Nyamanhindi – Communication and Culture Officer – Embassy of Switzerland
Email: richard.nyamanhindi@eda.admin.ch
Phone: +263 24 2703997
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