Revision of Civil Societies Law

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has a federal government system and follows the civil law tradition. On March 12, 2019, the government of Ethiopia enacted a new law on civil society organizations (CSOs), the Organization of Civil Societies Proclamation No. 1113/2019 (CSO Proclamation). The CSO Proclamation replaces the Proclamation of Charities and Societies No. 621/2009 (2009 Proclamation). Under the CSO Proclamation, directives and regulations issued in relation to the 2009 Proclamation will remain in effect for one year, to the extent that they do not conflict with the provisions of the CSO Proclamation.

Given the relative newness of the CSO Proclamation, some of its provisions have not yet been fully implemented. This Note seeks to provide an overview of the CSO Proclamation's framework for not-for profit CSOs in Ethiopia, with the understanding that the rules and practices associated with CSOs will continue to develop and solidify as the government begins to fully implement the CSO Proclamation and issue clarifying regulations and directives. Accordingly, foundations should check with local experts to obtain updated information before engaging in international grant making.

Among the visible changes that directly benefit the Creative and Culture Industry are the restructuring of how CSOs can be constituted and administered. This restructuring has and will help Creative CSOs to be constituted easily and be more functional and effective to their community and ecosystem. The other paramount revision is in regard to the funding acquiring mechanism. Before the revision, CSOs were restricted in mobilizing funds especially from abroad. Now, after the revision of the CSO Law, CSOs are now able to mobilize 100% of their fund from wherever they are capable. The other paramount revision is the implementation of an income-generating mechanism to help CSOs be sustainable. This revision will help the Creative CSOs generate income besides any kind of means of finance.