With a presence and a track record of more than 30 years in Southern Africa, Hivos has been seeking new and creative solutions to persistent global problems. Our founders held the conviction that “necessary changes should spring from communities themselves – from people at the base of society”.
This is still reflected in our work today, as we support our frontrunners to innovate for change in their home environments. It is in this light that Hivos took the important decision in 1985 to decentralize its work from The Hague (the Netherlands) to regional offices. In 1988, Hivos’ first regional office was opened in Harare, Zimbabwe, with project offices following in Malawi and Zambia.
Over the years, our work has covered multiple sectors, amongst which human rights, good governance, climate change, digital rights, arts and culture, sustainable development, small and micro-enterprise development, and microfinance. In addition, we have focused on the specific rights of various groups that Hivos recognized as marginalized, in particular women, LGBTIQ+ people, and people living with HIV.
Our impact
Youth shaping urban food systems in Zambia and Zimbabwe
Our work on urban food systems in Zambia and Zimbabwe supports young people and youth-led organizations focused on building climate-resilient urban food systems to ensure healthy and accessible food for all.
Building a future where every child’s rights are protected in Zambia
Hivos, through the Regional SRHR Fund, co-convened a regional gathering on the implementation of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Model Law on eradicating child marriage and protecting children already in marriage.
Safeguarding civic space with the launch of Connect, Defend, Act!
Hivos proudly announces Connect, Defend, Act! – an ambitious five-year initiative aimed at combating shrinking civic space in Colombia, Indonesia, Malawi and the occupied Palestinian territory.
Programs
- Click on a country to view the programs