About Us
Our Vision
A society where youth, women, children, and marginalized groups actively participate in Ethiopia's development and thrive as capable citizens.
Our Mission
To promote and protect the rights of disadvantaged Ethiopians, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and fostering inclusive, sustainable development.
Organization Overview
Founded
September 2021 by Mr. Wagaye Degefu with dedicated board members
Registration
Registered with the Ethiopian Agency for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) | Reg. No. 5841
Status: Local Non-Profit Organization
Head Office
Debre Birhan, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Our History
Growth Ethiopia for Africa Development Organization (GEfADO) was established in September 2021 by a group of dedicated professionals committed to addressing the social and economic challenges facing Ethiopian communities.
Founded in Debre Birhan, our organization has grown from a small community initiative to a recognized non-profit working across multiple regions, partnering with government agencies, international organizations, and local stakeholders to create sustainable impact.
Despite its recent establishment, GEfADO has been actively involved in community support activities, particularly during conflicts that displaced many citizens, coordinating efforts to support IDPs through provision of food and non-food items from the private sector and community.
Core Thematic Areas
Our work focuses on these key areas to create sustainable impact across Ethiopian communities.
Youth & Gender Empowerment
Advocacy for equal opportunities, leadership training, and combating gender-based violence.
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Decent Work & Labor Rights
Promoting fair wages, safe workplaces, and unionization in industrial sectors.
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Human Rights & Advocacy
Strengthening community structures to uphold civil liberties and social justice.
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Community Resilience
Supporting IDPs, conflict resolution, and infrastructure development.
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Key Achievements
Through dedicated efforts, we've created positive change in Ethiopian communities.
Unionization & Worker Rights
Facilitated the formation of workers' unions in Debre Birhan factories, improving labor conditions for more than 1,200 employees.
Youth Mobilization
Coordinated volunteer programs engaging more than 1,500 youth in community development and road safety campaigns.
Gender Equity
Supported more than 500 schoolgirls through health clubs and mentorship programs.
Emergency Response
Delivered food and non-food aid to more than 3,000 conflict-displaced individuals.
Policy Engagement
Advocated for labor law compliance with government and private sector stakeholders, resulting in improved working conditions and policy implementation across multiple industries.
Latest News
Stay updated with our recent activities and impact stories.
occupational safety and health training for industry workers representatives
two days training was arranged for 30 trade union representatives to create the awareness of industry workers on OSH.
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Labor Rights Training for Factory Workers
GEfADO completed intensive labor rights awareness training for 600 workers across five textile factories in Debre Birhan Industrial Park. The program educated workers on their rights under Ethiopian labor law, proper grievance procedures, and collective bargaining processes. As a direct result, workers successfully formed three new union chapters and negotiated improved working conditions, including extended break periods, workplace safety improvements, and establishment of grievance committees. Factory management reported improved worker-employer relations and reduced workplace conflicts.
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New International Partnership Agreement
GEfADO signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and local textile industry stakeholders to expand labor rights advocacy in Ethiopia's growing industrial sector. The three-year partnership will focus on strengthening collective bargaining processes, improving workplace safety standards, and promoting decent work practices in manufacturing hubs. The collaboration includes establishment of worker education centers and development of industry-specific labor rights curricula, expected to benefit over 8,000 industrial workers across Amhara Region.
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Youth Volunteer Emergency Response Program
Following recent internal displacement in North Shoa Zone, GEfADO mobilized 400 trained youth volunteers to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to affected families. The rapid response program delivered emergency supplies to 1,200 displaced individuals within 48 hours, including food packages, blankets, and hygiene kits. Youth volunteers also established temporary learning spaces for 180 displaced children and coordinated with local authorities to ensure continuity of essential services. This initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of GEfADO's community-based emergency preparedness model.
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Decent Work Campaign Success
GEfADO's advocacy campaign for minimum wage implementation achieved significant victory as Amhara Regional Government announced enforcement of federal minimum wage standards across all industrial zones. The campaign, which included worker testimonies, policy briefs, and stakeholder consultations, directly influenced regional policy decisions affecting over 15,000 industrial workers. GEfADO will continue monitoring implementation and providing technical support to ensure compliance with decent work standards.
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Our Team
Dedicated professionals committed to making a difference in Ethiopian communities.
Leadership
A diverse Board of Directors with expertise in engineering, public health, governance, and private sector development.
Mr. Wagaye Degefu
Executive Director
Founder and leader of GEfADO's strategic initiatives and organizational development.
Mr. Tibebu Elefachew
Program Coordinator
Focused on program implementation and community engagement initiatives.
Accountant
Financial Management
Ensuring financial transparency and compliance with regulations.
Advisors
Technical experts in gender, labor rights, and public policy providing strategic guidance to our programs.
Partners & Funders
Strategic collaborations that enable our impact across Ethiopia.
Key Partners
British Council
Funded the CSSP2 project (2022-2023) to advance decent work practices.
Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU)
Strategic partner in labor rights advocacy.
Local Collaborations
Local Government
Collaborates with the Bureau of Labour and Social Affairs (BoLSA) and Debre Birhan Industrial Park.
Community Networks
Grassroots CBOs, youth associations, and women's groups.
Why GEFADO?
Our unique approach and commitment to sustainable development.
Local Expertise
Deep-rooted understanding of Ethiopian socio-economic challenges.
Inclusive Approach
Prioritizes women, youth, and persons with disabilities in all programs.
Proven Impact
Demonstrated success in labor rights, gender equity, and emergency response.
Transparency
Robust financial and monitoring systems aligned with international standards.
Contact Information
Get in touch with us to learn more about our work or explore partnership opportunities.
Get In Touch
Address
Debre Birhan, North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Primary Contact
Mr. Wagaye Degefu, Executive Director
Phone
Tel: +251 911 850764 | Office: +251 977 777 730
degefuabele@gmail.com