ADDIS ABABA – The Civil Societies Organizations Authority (CSOA) has announced that two legal frameworks are currently being prepared to enable civil society organizations (CSOs) to operate at continental and international levels.
CSOA’s Legal Service CEO, Bzayene Gebregzibher, told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that the frameworks are in the preparation phase, with ongoing efforts to create an enabling environment for CSOs to participate in continental and global initiatives.
According to him, the main objectives of the frameworks include promoting a cooperative environment, enhancing capacity and financing, sharing experiences, and more.
The frameworks will allow two or more organizations to operate under one umbrella structure. Additionally, 12 guidelines have already been implemented based on Proclamation No. 1113/2020.
He further stated that CSOs can now be registered and organized solely through CSOA.
The upcoming legal frameworks will also accommodate international civil society organizations that are registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“For instance, if an organization registered in Kenya enters Ethiopia, it can merge with a local organization, and together they can operate across Africa under the privileges granted by the new legal frameworks,” he explained.
He added that the guidelines aim to ensure the benefits of CSO members, help realize common goals, strengthen member capacities, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and enhance resource generation, among other objectives.
Bzayene also noted that a study will be conducted to ensure the proper use of resources for their intended purposes, and a utilization system will be developed accordingly.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 8 JUNE 2025
