As part of the Civil Society Organizations’ (CSOs) Week 2024 in Ethiopia, a panel discussion titled “ToGETHER’s Localization Journey and its Best Practices in Ethiopia” took place at the Ghion Hotel, Addis Ababa. The session, organized by the ToGETHER partners in Ethiopia—Afro Ethiopia Integrated Development Association (AEID), Action for Integrated Sustainable Development Association (AISDA), Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA), Community Initiatives Facilitations and Assistance (CIFA – Ethiopia), Wako Gutu Foundation (WGF), and Welthungerhilfe (WHH)— brought together key stakeholders to reflect on ToGETHER’s partners localization efforts in humanitarian aid and to advocate for strengthening the role of local actors in humanitarian response.

The half-day event served not only as a platform to share best practices from ToGETHER’s localization journey but also as a launchpad for the ToGETHER 2.0 Program in Ethiopia, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO). This initiative builds on the successes of its predecessor by focusing on empowering local humanitarian actors, promoting gender-inclusive responses, and advancing innovative approaches such as anticipatory humanitarian action.

Key Highlights from the Panel Discussion

The panel discussion underscored the critical role of local actors in creating more effective, equitable, and sustainable humanitarian systems. Major takeaways included:

1. The Power of Local Actors:

• Local organizations possess deep-rooted knowledge of their communities’ cultural and social contexts, enabling them to respond more effectively and gain the trust of local populations.
• Local actors often remain embedded in their communities before, during, and after crises, offering consistency and long-term support.

2. Systemic Barriers:

• Limited and unpredictable funding restricts local organizations’ ability to plan and scale operations.
• Lengthy due diligence and complex bureaucratic processes pose challenges for local actors seeking to access international funding.
• Limited technical expertise and human resources prevent meaningful participation in coordination mechanisms.

3. The Role of Women-Led Organizations:

• Women-Led Organizations play an essential role in addressing gender-specific needs during crises but face disproportionate challenges, such as restricted access to funding and capacity-strengthening opportunities. Advocacy for increased visibility and resources for Women-Led Organizations is essential.

4. Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund (EHF) Achievements:

• The EHF has demonstrated its commitment to localization by allocating nearly 50% of its funding directly to local organizations in 2024, showcasing the potential for local leadership in humanitarian responses.
• The emphasis has not only been on the quantity but also on the quality of funding, ensuring it is flexible and predictable to support long-term resilience.

5. The Impact of Policy and Regulatory Reforms:

• The Ethiopia’s civil society reforms have created a more enabling environment for local organizations. However, challenges such as financial constraints and fragmented advocacy efforts persist.
• The Localization Reference Group (LRG) is a critical mechanism to drive and coordinate localization efforts. It should be a platform for diverse stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and advocate for policy changes.
• A well-functioning Localization Advisor Committee (LAC) is crucial for driving localization efforts from the government side to ensure that local organizations are empowered to play a leading role in humanitarian response by formulating and enforcing localization policies and regulations.

Launching ToGETHER 2.0 in Ethiopia

The event marked the formal launch of the ToGETHER 2.0 Program in Etiophia, an initiative aimed at advancing the localization agenda in 8 countries. Building on the successes of its first phase, ToGETHER 2.0 will:

• Strengthen the capacity of more local actors, including grassroots civil society organizations, through targeted mentoring and operational support.
• Promote equitable partnerships that recognize and leverage the expertise of local organizations.
• Advocate for policy reforms to reduce barriers for local organizations, including streamlining funding processes and addressing systemic challenges.
• Advance gender-responsive humanitarian responses, with an emphasis on empowering women-led organizations to lead in their communities.
• Pilot innovative risk-sharing and anticipatory action models to better prepare for and mitigate crises.

Advancing Advocacy and Collaboration

A key outcome of the event was the call for the formation of a National Reference Group to drive Ethiopia’s localization agenda. This mechanism is expected to enhance coordination among humanitarian actors, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and strengthen advocacy efforts for policy reforms that support local actors.

Closing Reflections

The event concluded with a summary of key insights and a renewed commitment to driving localization efforts forward. Participants agreed that fostering equitable partnerships, addressing systemic barriers, and investing in the capacities of local actors are fundamental to transforming Ethiopia’s humanitarian system.

WHH, alongside its five local partners—AEID, AISDA, APDA, CIFA, and WGF —remains dedicated to advancing localization efforts in Ethiopia. As the outcomes of CSOs Week 2024 are evaluated, this event will serve as a cornerstone for further dialogue and action to enhance Ethiopia’s localization journey.