LAST UPDATED: JULY 2020

Since coming into office in 2018, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has led significant reforms in Ethiopia, including a complete overhaul of the Proclamation of Charities and Societies No. 621/2009, which had severely restricted the freedom of association. The new Organization of Civil Societies Proclamation No. 1113/2019, establishes a more enabling framework for civil society organizations. Notably, the new Proclamation removes the cap on receiving funding by foreign sources and protects the right of a civil society organization to engage in any lawful activity, including economic activities.  The Agency for Civil Society Organizations Proclamation is in the process of issuing directives and regulations under the 2019 Proclamation. This report explores key aspects of the 2019 Proclamation and will be periodically updated to reflect new developments in the law governing philanthropy.