Practice Overview
MLA’s NGO Practice provides a wide range of services requiring close collaboration with other practice groups, given the broad-based and full-service representation that NGOs and nonprofit entities demand. Our clients include not-for-profit organizations, aid organizations, bilateral government agencies, multilateral institutions, and religious associations.
Our team has deep knowledge not only of Ethiopia’s Civil Society Organizations Proclamation but also of all regulatory frameworks affecting NGOs and NPOs. We work to ensure strict compliance and full alignment with the legal and administrative requirements governing operations in Ethiopia.
Our Services
- Providing comprehensive legal guidance to NGOs/NPOs on registration and operations in Ethiopia.
- Assisting in the full registration process of NGOs/NPOs in Ethiopia.
- Drafting and submitting all legal and regulatory documents required for registration, operation, compliance, and partnerships.
- Advising on compliance with Ethiopia’s NGO legal frameworks and administrative regulations.
- Conducting due diligence to identify legal, operational, or reputational risks in partnership arrangements.
- Reviewing and negotiating Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with strategic partners to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
- Engaging with ACSO and other authorities on behalf of clients to ensure smooth regulatory processes.
- Assisting NGOs/NPOs in de‑registration, including documentation, notifications, and lawful closure of operations.
Selected Experience
- Advised and assisted the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) on compliance matters, lease agreements, and a comprehensive due diligence assessment.
- Advised the Mastercard Foundation on registration options, operational modalities, regulatory compliance, and employment matters.
- Assisted a U.S. foreign assistance agency on legal matters relating to project implementation in Ethiopia.
- Advised a U.S.-based NGO on regulatory compliance regarding contractor payments and assisted with deregistration of its Ethiopian branch.
- Advised the American Jewish Humanitarian Organization (JDC) on partnership due diligence, MoU review, loan program structuring, and stakeholder negotiations.
- Advised a Canadian global foundation on registration pathways, operational models, and tax implications.
- Handled the registration of numerous NGOs in Ethiopia.
Overview of the Legal Framework
The Civil Society Organizations Proclamation No. 1113/2019 is the primary legislation governing CSOs in Ethiopia. It marks a significant shift from the previous restrictive regime, establishing a more enabling environment for both local and foreign NGOs.
The law applies to CSOs operating across multiple regions, Addis Ababa, and Dire Dawa; foreign NGOs; and charities established by religious organizations. Religious organizations and CSOs governed by specialized laws remain outside its scope.
The Proclamation establishes the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO), an autonomous federal institution accountable to the Ministry of Justice. ACSO oversees registration, regulation, supervision, and compliance.
Under the Proclamation, CSOs may engage in lawful activities including policy participation, human rights promotion, equality advocacy, and justice sector support—areas previously restricted for foreign NGOs. However, foreign NGOs remain prohibited from influencing political parties, educating voters, or observing elections.
Registration procedures have been streamlined. Certificates are issued within 30 days for local NGOs and 45 days for foreign NGOs once all requirements are met. The law also provides clear grounds for rejection and mandates that deregistration or dissolution can occur only by court order, ending administrative cancellations.
CSOs may engage in income-generating activities with appropriate approvals. Funding may be sourced through any lawful means. Foreign NGOs may now legally serve purely as grant‑making organizations—an important shift from previous practice.
ACSO has issued several directives under the Federal Administrative Procedure Proclamation No. 1183/2020. These directives govern registration and management of CSOs, income-generating activities, mergers and dissolution, administrative expenses, conflict-of-interest rules, civil society fund administration, professional association oversight, liquidation, procurement, and asset disposal.
Key Contacts
Biruk Haile
Legal Director
biruk@mehrteableul.com
+251‑115‑159‑798