In recognition of 100 years of Professional Associations in Ethiopia, the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO), in collaboration with MG Consultancy, Ethiopian Training and Development Professionals Association/ETDPA/ and senior leaders of Professional Associations, conducted a national research and validation workshop on Professional Associations in Ethiopia: Practices, Challenges, and Future Prospects.
The research and validation process identified key governance, capacity, membership, visibility, and sustainability challenges affecting Professional Associations, while also highlighting significant opportunities created by recent legal and institutional reforms. Participants collectively validated the findings and agreed on priority, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen the role of Professional Associations in professional development and national progress. As a major outcome, stakeholders resolved to establish a multi-stakeholder Implementation Committee, led by ACSO with technical support from MG Consultancy and ETDPA, to coordinate and oversee the implementation of the validated recommendations. This marks an important transition from assessment to action, reinforcing a shared commitment to revitalizing Professional Associations as credible, inclusive, and impactful institutions for Ethiopia’s development.
