Paper short abstract:

This paper examines the role, of umbrella associations of non-governmental organisations and civil society in Zimbabwe and Mauritius as they grapple with the dilemmas and challenges of development

Paper long abstract:

Civil Society organisations are becoming innovative development partners in meeting the needs of people living in poverty, and yet civil society is also constrained in this endeavour by a disabling political and economic environment by working with public authorities and the private sector. This paper examines the role, of umbrella associations of non-governmental organisations and civil society in Zimbabwe and Mauritius as they grapple with the dilemmas and challenges of development within shifting socio-political and economic environments. It focuses on the National Association of Nongovernmental Organisations (NANGO) in Zimbabwe and the Mauritius Council of Social Services (MACOSS). These two umbrella organisations are coordinating, facilitating, and sustaining partnerships with both the state and the private sector in a complex and increasingly globalised world. They are able to foster communication, collaboration, and networking between nongovernmental organisations, the private sector and government in instances where the role and legitimacy of civil society in sustainable development is becoming increasingly questioned.