The 4th Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Week 2024 took place from December 6-8 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the theme “Renew the promise for an Enduring Peace and Equitable Development”. The event organized by the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) and the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSOs), brought together over 85 CSOs, including Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), to showcase their work and engagements in the country.

The event was officially opened by high-ranking officials including H.E Ambassador Mr. Degfe Bula and H.E Ambassador Mr. Meles Alem, who also visited the exhibition hub. During the visit, they learned about the contributions of the CSOs in Ethiopia. Guests were particularly impressed with SAA’s interventions and expressed interest in collaborating on areas such as women and youth empowerment, income generating initiatives, contract farming, and fruits and vegetable production.

Guests while visiting SAA's booth at the CSO exhibition

SAA also shared a brief summary of its work with key officials, including Dr. Dereje Duguma, State Minister of Health Service and Program Wing at the Ministry of Health (MoH), and Mrs. Huria Ali, State Minister, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), as well as Mr. Fasikaw Molla, Deputy Director General of ACSOs. The officials commended SAA for its contributions to the agriculture sector and acknowledged the organization’s vital role. They expressed openness to supporting efforts in realizing the ideal strategies for agricultural development.

 The event also attracted researchers, local and International NGOs, government agencies, policy makers, and private sector actors, all keen to collaborate with SAA to reduce duplication of resources and enhance the impact of their initiatives.

The three-day event concluded with a closing program, where messages were delivered encouraging CSOs to play constructive roles in promoting sustainable development. Certificates were handed-over by ACSOs and ECSOC in recognition of the participants’ efforts.

Guests while visiting SAA's booth at the CSO exhibition