Registered by Ethiopian Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) · Reg. No. 7895 +251-16-88-27-58 · cesd@gmail.com
Board-Led Indigenous Civil Society Organization

Empowering Communities, Preserving Indigenous Knowledge, Transforming Lives

CESD works with communities, government institutions, development partners, civil society and the private sector to build lasting solutions that improve lives across Ethiopia.

Who We Are

Community-led development, rooted in indigenous knowledge

Change for Economy and Social Development (CESD) is an indigenous, non-profit, non-governmental and board-led civil society organization committed to promoting inclusive and sustainable development across Ethiopia.

We work with communities, government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations and the private sector to create lasting solutions that improve lives, strengthen resilience, and preserve indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.

More About CESD
Traditional homestead overlooking Addis Ababa
Vision · Mission

What guides our work

V

Our Vision

A prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and environmentally sustainable Ethiopia where all people enjoy equal opportunities, secure livelihoods, quality education and healthcare, protected human rights, and the ability to realize their full potential.

M

Our Mission

To empower communities through participatory, inclusive, and sustainable development initiatives that improve livelihoods, promote quality education and healthcare, strengthen gender equality and social inclusion, and build resilient institutions.

★

Our Approach

Evidence-based and participatory, guided by strong governance and accountability, grounded in local knowledge, and committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Who We Serve

Standing with the communities who need it most

W
Women
Y
Youth
C
Children
P
Persons with Disabilities
F
Smallholder Farmers
Pa
Pastoralist Communities
M
Vulnerable & Marginalized Groups
Strategic Program Areas

Seven pillars of our work, one shared purpose

1

Education & Skills Development

  • Inclusive education
  • Literacy & lifelong learning
  • Youth skills & TVET
2

Economic Empowerment & Sustainable Livelihoods

  • Entrepreneurship
  • Women & youth empowerment
  • Financial inclusion
3

Health & Well-Being

  • Health education
  • Maternal & child health
  • Nutrition & WASH
4

Agriculture & Food Security

  • Climate-smart agriculture
  • Smallholder support
  • Rural development
5

Environment & Climate Action

  • Climate resilience
  • Natural resource management
  • Tree planting
6

Indigenous Knowledge & Cultural Heritage

  • Knowledge documentation
  • Culture preservation
  • Traditional innovation
See All Programs & Cross-Cutting Themes

We believe in community-led development, respecting our identity, conserving our environment, and building a better future for all.

Ready to build lasting change together?

Whether you're a partner organization, a donor, or a volunteer, there's a place for you in CESD's work.