Alert over NGO funding scam targeting East Africa

KAMPALA, April 17, 2026 — The National Council of Non-Governmental Organisations [NaCONGO] has issued a security alert warning non-governmental organisations across Tanzania and the wider African region about a fraudulent funding scheme operating under the name “Stronger Impact Fund [STIFUND]”.

In a notice dated March 4, 2026, NaCONGO said it had confirmed an advance-fee fraud targeting NGOs through deceptive grant offers. The organisation, which is mandated under the Non-Governmental Organisations Act No. 24 of 2002 [as amended] to coordinate NGOs in Mainland Tanzania, warned that the scam is designed to exploit organisations seeking funding opportunities.

According to the council, fraudsters suspected to be based in Kenya, are sending emails to NGOs falsely claiming that they have been selected to receive grant funding from the so-called “Stronger Impact Fund”. Investigations by NaCONGO have identified multiple red flags, confirming that the scheme is not legitimate.

“Organisations should not respond to any communication from stif.africa@gmail.com and must refrain from circulating this false opportunity to others,” the council cautioned.

NaCONGO emphasised that the scam forms part of a broader pattern of advance-fee fraud schemes increasingly targeting civil society organisations across Africa. Such schemes typically require victims to pay upfront fees or disclose sensitive organisational information under the guise of securing funding.

The council urged NGOs to exercise heightened vigilance and to verify all funding opportunities through official channels before engaging or submitting applications. It stressed that legitimate donors do not request upfront payments as a condition for grant awards.

NaCONGO Secretary General Francis Mboya reaffirmed the council’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the NGO sector and ensuring a secure operating environment.

“We urge all organisations to verify any opportunities through NaCONGO where there is doubt, particularly those requiring sensitive information or financial commitments,” he said.

NaCONGO added that it continues to monitor emerging threats targeting the sector in Tanzania and will provide updates as necessary to protect NGOs from fraudulent activities.

Several organisations across Africa have reported being coned by STIFUND and sister scamming company Identity Centre Africa

https://thecooperator.news/bribery-and-ghost-beneficiaries-discovered-in-emyooga-saccos-scam/

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