Ethiopia: Ethiopia's legal reform has dismantled restrictive barriers, creating a collaborative space where civil society organizations partner with government and communities to advance advocacy and development initiatives, Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) Deputy Director-General Fassikaw Molla said. The Deputy Director-General made the remark at the signing of Learning and Sub-grant Agreement among the European Union, Christian Aid, and three local NGOs today.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the four-year project, funded by over 4 million Euro (85% from the EU and 15% from Christian Aid), targets grassroots civil society organizations in Central Ethiopia, Tigray, South Ethiopia, and Addis Ababa. The agreement aims to strengthen the capacities, independence, and credibility of local and grassroots CSOs by positioning community-based organizations as key drivers of national progress.
During the signing ceremony, Fassikaw highlighted the transformative impacts of the 2019 reform on ACSO, which revised policies and legal frameworks, resulting in significantly increased CSOs contributions. He noted that over 8,400 CSOs are now operating nationwide, with regional CSO councils streamlining access to government services and digital platforms connecting organizations for efficient service delivery. He emphasized the need for ongoing capacity building to optimize resources and secure sustainable local and self-sufficient funding amid evolving global donation trends.
European Delegation to Ethiopia Governance and Peace Team Leader, Anna Lixi, affirmed the EU's enduring partnership in inclusive development. She described civil societies' evolution from project implementers to vital stakeholders in policymaking, stating that "CSOs are key allies for government and the EU, identifying needs and shaping policies." The European Union Civil Society Fund Plus (EU CSF+) program bolsters capacities through peer-to-peer learning, networking, and sub-grants channeled from larger CSOs to grassroots groups, she added.
Christian Aid Country Representative, Berhanu Fufa, applauded the Ethiopian government and ACSO for fostering a supportive environment. He reaffirmed Christian Aid's focus on localization and empowering local partners to design solutions, mobilize resources, and lead initiatives. "The EU-CSO Fund Plus project embodies this vision," Berhanu said, noting that beyond sub-grants, the project offers capacity building, learning opportunities, and cross-border collaboration to tackle challenges like climate impacts and economic shocks.
Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) Executive Director, Terefe Degeti, emphasized the platform's role in uniting CSOs with government and partners. He stressed accountability, efficiency, and evidence-based advocacy from local to national levels, stating that "this builds a credible, connected civil society essential for governance and development." The Executive Director further noted that today's signing celebrates local organizations' growing capacity to lead change, enhance independence, and elevate credibility as pillars of good governance and sustainable development in Ethiopia.