Development Expertise Center DEC Ethiopia

24/04/2026

Announcement: Deadline Extended

The submission deadline for the Capacity Development Program for Local and Grassroots Civil Society Organizations (CDP-Lg CSOs) has been extended.

Originally set for 27 April, applicants are now given an additional three weeks to prepare and submit their project ideas or proposals.

New Deadline: 18 May 2026
Time: 18:00 (6:00 PM local time)

We encourage all interested organizations to make use of this extended period and submit strong, impactful proposals.

For More Information- https://decethiopia.org/open-call-for-project-ideas-and-proposals/

08/04/2026

DEC Celebrates the Graduation of 79 Participants from the 2025 We Can Work Program

Development Expertise Center (DEC), in partnership with Light for the World and under the We Can Work Program, proudly celebrated the graduation of 79 participants from the 2025 training cycle.

Hosted by STEMpower Ethiopia, the ceremony brought together key partners, including Light for the World (lead partner), Emmanuel Development Association, program participants, personal assistants, and other stakeholders, creating a vibrant moment of recognition and celebration. Awards were presented to participants who successfully established their own businesses, highlighting their entrepreneurial achievements.

Through DEC’s life skills training, participants gained essential knowledge, confidence, and resilience to pursue meaningful careers and entrepreneurial opportunities. All 79 graduates completed the intensive life skills program and progressed along three pathways:

53 participants pursued entrepreneurship, receiving additional training from STEMpower
9 participants gained technical skills
6 participants completed wage employment training

In addition, 10 participants who already owned businesses strengthened and expanded their enterprises through DEC’s life skills and STEMpower’s entrepreneurship training. All graduates were awarded certificates in recognition of their successful completion and personal growth.

The event featured an inspiring keynote address by Konjit Debela, Head of the Addis Ababa City Women, Children, and Social Affairs Office, who emphasized that disability is not inability, but a unique ability.

DEC remains committed to empowering persons with disabilities through impactful life skills training that opens pathways to sustainable livelihoods. This milestone reminds us that every step forward matters and strengthens our resolve to ensure no one is left behind.

02/04/2026

Development Expertise Center convened its 2025 Annual Reporting and 2026 Annual Planning Meeting with the Board of Directors. Guided by the Board Chair, the session featured an engaging presentation from the Executive Director, highlighting key milestones, impactful achievements, and valuable lessons that defined the year.

Despite navigating a range of challenges, 2025 stood out as one of DEC’s most successful and transformative years. The organization made significant contributions to enhancing the wellbeing of children, youth, and communities. The meeting was further enriched by an independent audit report, which provided a transparent and insightful overview of DEC’s financial and operational performance, reinforcing our commitment to accountability, growth, and lasting impact.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation and sincere thanks to our donors, stakeholders, employees, and collaborators whose contributions made these achievements possible.

02/04/2026

10/03/2026

Last week at CSO Week, we were honored to receive recognition for sponsoring the event and to be part of such an inspiring gathering of civil society actors. Throughout the week, our team showcased our programs, approaches, and tools, engaging with many visitors who came to learn about our work and the impact we are creating in communities.

It was encouraging to see the strong interest and appreciation from participants, with many expressing their willingness to collaborate and work together for greater impact.

On the final day, we were also privileged to receive visits from high-level officials who took time to engage with our team and learn more about our initiatives.

CSO Week was a powerful platform to connect, share experiences, and strengthen partnerships for community-led development.

08/03/2026

Yesterday, during the 5th CSO Week, a panel discussion titled “Unlocking Pathways for Community-Led Development: Localization Meets ” was successfully hosted by Development Expertise Center (DEC) and ASDEPO in collaboration with FDRE Authority of Civil Society Organization( የሲቪል ማኅበረሰብ ድርጅቶች ባለስልጣን ) and Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council.

The session brought together distinguished panelists representing the civil society sector, community representatives, the private sector, and global partners to discuss the growing momentum around localization and the global movement. Panelists reflected on why shifting leadership, resources, and decision-making closer to communities is essential for achieving sustainable and locally driven development outcomes.

The discussion explored key themes including strengthening community leadership, sharing practical experiences from organizations implementing localization in development and humanitarian work, identifying structural and financial barriers that limit local actors, and highlighting opportunities to strengthen collaboration among local CSOs, international partners, donors, and government institutions.

The program was officially opened by the Guest of Honor, His Excellency Belayhun Yirda, State Minister at the Ministry of Justice, who emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ethiopia. In his remarks, he highlighted the government’s strong support for the localization agenda, encouraging CSOs to effectively utilize local resources while strengthening partnerships with international organizations to build the capacity of local actors.

The session concluded with closing remarks delivered by Mr.Terefe Degeti, Executive Director of ECSOC, and a call to action by Mr. Berhanu Demissie, Executive Director of DEC, encouraging stronger collaboration and concrete steps to advance localization and community-led development in Ethiopia.

The panel concluded with a strong call for collective action to translate global commitments on localization and power shifting into practical steps that empower communities to lead their own development.

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

We are currently at the Convention Center participating in the 5th Annual CSO Week, where we are proudly showcasing our work, innovative approaches, and tools across the different programs and interventions we implement.

Yesterday, we were honored to be recognized as one of the sponsors of this important event, and we had the privilege of receiving visits from high-level officials who stopped by our booth to learn more about our initiatives and impact.

As part of our contribution to the event, we are also proud to host a panel discussion tomorrow together with our partner, where we will share insights and experiences from our work.

Stay tuned for more updates from the event, and don’t forget to visit us at Booth No. 08 to learn more about what we do.

05/03/2026

16/02/2026

In the CSO sector, it often feels like everyone is pointing in a different direction; lost in a sea of shifting trends dwindling resources, competing priorities and rising expectations. This past week, at the Change the Game Academy (CtGA) Alliance Meeting, we found our compass. We stopped guessing and started looking at the real data that shows us exactly how power is shifting to communities. We explored clear and powerful ways of self-reliance and local ownership that cut through the noise of traditional aid.

Development Expertise Center DEC Ethiopia proudly presented the findings of our Business Case Study (2016–2024) as did our Ghanian peer West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), providing hard evidence that CtGA is a high-value investment for sustainable development.

Beyond the data, this week was a reminder that shifting the power isn’t a solo journey. We are part of a global movement that is learning, sharing, and growing together to ensure that the communities we serve are the true architects of their own future.

Our deep appreciation goes to Satunama for their flawless hosting and for creating a space for such deep reflection, and to Wilde Ganzen for bringing us all together. We leave this meeting not just with ideas, but as part of "The Bee-Commitment Circle," ready to turn these global strategies into local impact.

Read the Impact Assessment of the Change the Game Academy Program in Ethiopia (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dyaMZ1BIHAwnCvAXIDCZwvK9n0N6U1k0/view?usp=drive_link)

11/02/2026

Development Expertise Center (DEC), with financial and technical support from UNHCR Ethiopia , the UN Refugee Agency, is delivering life-saving humanitarian emergency interventions across Gambella and refugee sites.

Since the start of 2025, DEC has constructed both transitional shelters and upgradable emergency shelters for new arrivals from South Sudan in existing and newly established camps. To date, 400 transitional shelters and 2,005 upgradable emergency shelters have been completed, providing refugees with safe and dignified temporary homes during a time of urgent need.

Beyond shelter construction, DEC has also played a critical role in building a 3.65 km access road, creating a vital pathway for humanitarian assistance and essential services to reach refugee communities more efficiently.

In addition, 39 installation of solar lighting systems has significantly improved safety and accessibility within the camps. This intervention helps reduce risks related to gender-based violence (GBV) and enhances protection for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

Through these integrated efforts, DEC continues to restore hope, safety, and dignity for refugee communities in Gambella.

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09/02/2026

Development Expertise Center (DEC), in partnership with Grassroot Soccer, conducted a Meharebe+ refresher training session for teachers from selected pilot government schools. The training aimed to reinforce teachers’ knowledge, practical skills, and confidence in delivering integrated mental health and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education for young people.

Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and experience sharing, participants strengthened their ability to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments that address the psychosocial wellbeing and SRH needs of students. The refresher training also ensured consistent and quality implementation of the Meharebe+ approach across pilot schools.