BACKROUND TO NGOs
Who are NGOs?
Voluntary organizations established with the commitment to help disadvantaged or marginalized sectors of society;
Not-for-profit (not self-serving) organizations established to support and help less fortunate communities and members of society with little or no income.
Non Governmental Organizations established in such a way that any support they appeal for or secure is undertaken independent from Government.
Types of NGOs
NGOs operating in Ethiopia could be categorized into two main categories:
- Indigenous NGOs
These are NGOs established in the country by either Ethiopians or non-Ethiopians.
- International NGOs
These are NGOs, which have their head offices abroad and obtain support from those offices.
Again from within these NGOs another category could be established:
- Secular NGOs
- Religious NGOs
Sectoral classification of NGOs is also possible, i.e. NGOs focusing on various sectors such as water, health, children, integrated rural/urban development, etc.
HOW TO ESTABLSIH AN NGO IN ETHIOPIA
Both foreign and local NGOs can be established in Ethiopia. However, knowing the requirements for establishment is necessary in order to be registered with the Government of Ethiopia and operate legally.
- Registration Guideline for Foreign (international) NGOs.
- Any foreign NGO, which intends to carry out activities, shall produce its written application to the NGO Registration Office at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).
- The Office will provide four copies of an application form to be filled by the applicant (applying organization).
- The applicant ought to fill out carefully all the questions and in addition, is expected to produce various documents.
- Registration Guideline for Local (indigenous) NGOs
- Any local NGO, which intends to carry out activities, shall produce its written application to the NGO Registration Office at the Ministry of Justice.
- If established in Ethiopia and is led by Ethiopians and operates in more than one Region of the country or its donor(s) supports programs found in more than one region, various supporting documents will be required by the applicant NGO:
- Operational Agreement with DPPA
Following registration with the Ministry of Justice and obtaining of Certificate, NGOs are required to sign Operational Agreement with the Federal Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency (DPPA). The applying NGO is required to:
- Produce copy of the certificate of registration with the Ministry of Justice. The DPPA is also informed of the registration of an NGO by the Ministry of Justice through copy of a letter issued to the NGO.
Upon submission of certificate of registration, the applying NGO will be provided with three copies of Operational Agreement forms along with Basic Information on new NGOs by the DPPA to be filled, signed by the head of the organization (the person acknowledged by Ministry of Justice) and sealed and returned to DPPA.
The Deputy General Director of DPPA will sign the Agreement form on behalf of the DPPA. One copy of the Agreement signed and sealed by both the NGO and DPPA will be given to the NGO.
Following the signing of Operational Agreement with DPPA, an NGO is expected to enter into specific project agreement with the concerned regional government offices depending upon the type and the nature of the project prior to the implementation of a project.
For details on documents required by the NGO registration Office, please contact either the MoJ or CRDA.
